# Do I need Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?

> Quick answer · Last updated 22 August 2026

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## In short

Yes from 6 April 2026 if you are a sole trader or landlord with over £50,000 of qualifying self-employment and property income on your 2024/25 return. The threshold falls to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. Qualifying income is gross turnover, not profit after expenses.

You must keep digital records and send quarterly updates through HMRC-recognised software. HMRC writes to people who must join. Check https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-and-when-you-need-to-use-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax and work out qualifying income at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/work-out-your-qualifying-income-for-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax

PAYE salary does not count toward the threshold. Limited companies use Corporation Tax, not this programme. Digitally excluded people can apply for an exemption. Guide: [Making Tax Digital for Income Tax](/work-earnings/making-tax-digital-income-tax/). Landlords: [how MTD works for landlords](/answers/how-does-making-tax-digital-work-for-landlords/).

## Related

- [Making Tax Digital explained](https://moneyguide.org.uk/work-earnings/making-tax-digital-income-tax/)
- [How to sign up for Making Tax Digital](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/sign-up-making-tax-digital/)
- [MTD for landlords](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/how-does-making-tax-digital-work-for-landlords/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-and-when-you-need-to-use-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.