Do you have to register, or is MTD automatic?
MTD for Income Tax is not automatic. Even if your qualifying income is over the threshold, you (or an agent acting for you) must actively sign up with HMRC and authorise compatible software before your start date. Missing this step means your quarterly updates cannot be filed, so it is worth getting it done early and correctly.
What you need before you register for MTD
- A Government Gateway user ID and password
- Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- Your National Insurance number
- MTD-compatible software already set up
- Details of your qualifying income sources (self-employment and/or property)
How to register for Making Tax Digital
Registration is completed through your HMRC online account. You confirm your income sources, sign up for MTD for Income Tax and authorise your compatible software to connect to HMRC. Mistakes at this stage — such as authorising the wrong software or mismatching income sources — can cause submission errors later, so it pays to get it right first time. Prefer a walkthrough? See our step-by-step guide.
What happens after MTD registration
Once registered, your software is authorised to submit quarterly updates and your final declaration to HMRC. Your first quarterly deadline depends on your MTD start date — for those starting in April 2026, the first update is due by 7 August 2026. We confirm your deadlines in writing so nothing is missed.
Let us register you
Our MTD registration support guides you through the whole process, or we register and authorise your software as your agent so you don’t have to. Call 0114 327 1480 or email shjenquiry@msc-g.com.