UK HMRC announces deadlines for digital tax updates and July payment

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has set a deadline of 7 August 2026 for sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 to submit their first Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax quarterly update. The update, which covers income and expenses for the first three months of the tax year, is filed through recognised software and takes only minutes; it does not replace the annual tax return. Over 864,000 eligible taxpayers have already signed up, and HMRC urges any remaining users to register via GOV.UK. Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Director of Making Tax Digital, called the rollout “a landmark moment for the tax system.”

At the same time, accountants warn that self‑employed workers, landlords and other Self‑Assessment taxpayers must also meet a 31 July deadline for a “payment on account,” an advance instalment equal to 50% of the previous year’s liability. Failure to plan for this can result in unexpected bills and cash‑flow pressure, as highlighted by Simon Thomas of Ridgefield Consulting.