When to do each step — a simple timeline
Work backwards from your start date so nothing is left to the last minute:
- 3–6 months before — confirm MTD applies and from when; make sure you are registered for Self Assessment and have your UTR (this is the step only you can do, and identity checks can take weeks).
- 1–2 months before — choose HMRC-recognised software, set it up, connect bank feeds and sign up for MTD.
- From day one of your first MTD tax year — record income and expenses digitally as they happen.
- By each quarterly deadline (7 Aug, 7 Nov, 7 Feb, 7 May) — reconcile, review and submit.
- By 31 January after the tax year — file your final declaration and pay your tax.
Before Your MTD Start Date — Checklist
- Confirm whether MTD applies to you and from what date.
- Identify all qualifying income sources.
- Decide whether to use full bookkeeping software or bridging software.
- Choose a Government Gateway account and confirm UTR and NI number on file.
Software Setup Checklist
- Pick HMRC-recognised MTD software.
- Configure chart of accounts and tax categories.
- Connect bank feeds where available.
- Migrate or import existing records.
- Authorise the software with HMRC.
Registration Checklist
- Sign up for MTD for Income Tax in your HMRC account.
- Confirm income sources.
- Save HMRC’s confirmation.
- Diary your first quarterly deadline.
First Quarterly Update Checklist
- Reconcile bank accounts to records.
- Categorise all transactions.
- Check totals against your bank statements.
- Submit through software and save confirmation.
Ongoing MTD Compliance Checklist
- Maintain digital records throughout the year.
- Review categorisation monthly.
- Submit each quarterly update on time.
- Prepare for the year-end final declaration that replaces the Self Assessment return.
What records you must keep digitally
- The date, amount and category of each item of business or property income
- The date, amount and category of each allowable expense
- Separate records for each trade and each property business you run
- Enough detail to support the totals you report in each quarterly update
You can keep these in HMRC-recognised software or in a spreadsheet linked to bridging software — what matters is that the trail from record to submission is digital.
What to Do If You Have Missed a Step
If you have missed registration, missed a quarterly deadline, or are still using the HMRC portal, call 0114 327 1480 for a remediation review and we’ll get you back on track.