Digital Tax Service · Guidance

Making Tax Digital Checklist

Last reviewed: Next review: Reviewed by the Digital Tax Service editorial team

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 to Do If You Have Missed a Step

If you have missed registration, missed a quarterly deadline, or are still using the HMRC portal, contact us for a remediation review.

Frequently Asked Questions

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