Offlico practical checklist

HMRC MTD next steps checklist

Use this after HMRC confirms that it has signed you up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

This is general operational guidance, not personal tax advice. Use current HMRC guidance or a qualified tax adviser for decisions about scope, exemptions, and corrections.

1. Check the HMRC account

• Sign in using the details used for Self Assessment.
• Open Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
• Confirm every active self employment income source.
• Confirm UK and overseas property income sources if relevant.
• Add a new source and report anything that has ceased.
• Contact HMRC or your agent if a record is wrong.

2. Choose and authorise software

• Use HMRC's current compatible software finder.
• Check support for every income source.
• Check digital record keeping, quarterly updates, and tax return submission.
• Confirm the standard or calendar update period.
• Authorise the software to connect to HMRC.
• Document digital links if more than one product is used.

3. Rebuild records from the tax year start

• List jobs, sales, and other relevant income from 6 April 2026.
• Match invoices to card, cash, platform, and bank payments.
• Collect receipts and statements for business expenses.
• Rebuild mileage with date, purpose, route, and distance.
• Keep original supporting evidence.
• Review categories and gaps before submission.

4. Catch up on quarterly updates

• Check overdue and upcoming updates in the HMRC account.
• Send the overdue update through compatible software as soon as possible.
• Protect the 7 November 2026 deadline for the second update.
• Keep updating records even if there was no activity in a period.

5. Set the weekly routine

• Close completed jobs and raise invoices.
• Match paid status and investigate exceptions.
• Capture receipts and mileage while the week is fresh.
• Transfer or sync the required records to compatible software.