Making Tax Digital for Sole Traders: 2026, 2027 and 2028 Rules Explained
What sole traders need to know about MTD for Income Tax, qualifying income thresholds, digital records, quarterly updates, and accountant support.
Last reviewed: 23 June 2026
Who is affected first
MTD for Income Tax is being phased in by qualifying income. The current GOV.UK timetable starts with qualifying income over GBP50,000 from 6 April 2026, then over GBP30,000 from 6 April 2027, and over GBP20,000 from 6 April 2028.
What changes for sole traders
Instead of leaving records until the annual Self Assessment return, affected sole traders need digital records and compatible software. Quarterly updates are submitted during the year, followed by finalisation after the tax year ends.
How an accountant can help
A good MTD accountant can choose software, set up bank feeds, map bookkeeping categories, review quarterly numbers, and keep the final Self Assessment position aligned with the digital records.