If you’re a sole trader or landlord, April 2026 is no longer a distant deadline… It’s supposed to be a simpler, stress-free way to manage tax.
But don’t panic. With a little planning and clarity on what’s required, you can hit those quarterly deadlines with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about MTD for ITSA deadlines, submission dates, and penalties so you’re not caught off guard.
MTD Timeline: Who It Applies To and When
Here’s a quick snapshot:
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April 2026 – Applies to individuals with business and/or property income over £50,000 (not profit, total turnover).
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April 2027 – Threshold lowers to £30,000.
You’ll need to submit 5 REPORTS PER YEAR:
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4 quarterly updates
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1 final declaration
Quarterly Submission Deadlines
Let’s get these nailed into your calendar:
| Period End | Submission Due By |
|---|---|
| 30 June | 7 August |
| 30 Sept | 7 November |
| 31 Dec | 7 February |
| 31 March | 7 May |
If you miss any of these, you could face penalty points.
The HMRC Penalty Point System
Here’s how the new system works:
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1 point per missed submission
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4 points = 1 fixed penalty
Claire our Digital Transformation Partner here at Nuvo. Says that this system makes it even more vital to get ahead now rather than panic later.
How to Avoid Missed Deadlines
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Use MTD-compatible software that reminds you of submission dates.
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Keep income and expense tracking up to date every month.
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Speak to your accountant now and set a regular review schedule.
Start Early: Use 2024/25 As a Trial Run
Nuvo advises starting with your 2024–25 tax year. Begin submitting digitally to:
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Practice submission workflows
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Iron out any issues early
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Enter 2026 feeling fully prepared
Final Thoughts
MTD isn’t just about compliance… It’s about making your business simpler to run and giving you a clearer view of your tax position.
When you understand the deadlines and prepare early, you avoid stress and set your business up for smoother growth.
Ready to Get Ahead of MTD 2026?
Don’t wait until the deadlines hit. Whether you’re a sole trader or landlord, we can help you choose the right software, set up quarterly reporting, and build a stress-free routine that keeps you compliant.
👉 Book a free discovery call to start preparing today.
