How to register for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Opening soon. Farside Accounting Ltd's registration with HMRC for anti-money-laundering supervision is in progress. We are happy to talk now, and will take on client work once that registration is confirmed.

Sole traders and landlords sign up through HMRC's online service, using the same login as Self Assessment. An agent can do it for you. Have the details below ready first.

Checked against GOV.UK guidance on 3 October 2026. General information, not advice.

First, check you need to

Use the checker to see whether your income is over the threshold, and the exemptions guide if you think you may be exempt.

What you need before you start

Your Self Assessment login: The same user ID and password you got when you registered for Self Assessment. You may be asked to prove your identity.
Your start date: The date your business started, or the date you started receiving property income.
The tax year you will start in: You confirm this during sign-up.
If you are a sole trader: Your business name, business address and the nature of your business.
If you have more than one income source: Check each one in the online service and add any that are missing.

Who signs you up

You: Through HMRC's online sign-up service.
Your agent: If you use an agent, they can sign you up instead.
HMRC: From September 2026, HMRC began signing up anyone who needs to use the service for the 2026 to 2027 tax year and has not signed themselves up.

After you have signed up

Use compatible software: Your records, quarterly updates and tax return all go through it.
Send quarterly updates: Due 7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May.
Submit your tax return: Through the same software after the year ends.

Sources

GOV.UK: Sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and Send quarterly updates.