Digital Tax Service · Guidance

Making Tax Digital for Small Businesses

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

MTD for VAT — Already Live

If your small business is VAT-registered, you must already be using MTD-compatible software to keep VAT records and submit VAT returns. This has been a legal requirement since April 2022 for all VAT-registered businesses regardless of turnover. If you are not already compliant, you risk HMRC penalties.

MTD for VAT

MTD for Income Tax — Sole Trader Businesses

If you operate as a sole trader rather than a limited company, and your qualifying income exceeds the threshold, MTD for Income Tax will apply to you from April 2026, 2027 or 2028 depending on your income level.

MTD for sole traders

MTD for Corporation Tax — Future Plans

HMRC has announced plans to extend Making Tax Digital to limited companies through an MTD for Corporation Tax programme. No mandatory start date has been confirmed. We will update this page as HMRC publishes further details.

Getting Your Small Business Ready for MTD

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