Self-employed taxpayers and landlords should file their 2024/25 tax return early
to find out if Making Tax Digital (MTD) will apply to them from next April, says
the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG).
Taxpayers who report more than £50,000 of gross income from self-employment
and/or rental income in their 2024/25 tax return will be required to join the
new Making Tax Digital for Income Tax regime from April 2026 and must have the
software needed to participate.
LITRG is encouraging anyone who thinks they could be in scope of MTD from April
2026 to complete their 2024/25 tax return well in advance of the 31 January 2026
deadline to see whether their income exceeds this limit.
HMRC will use the information provided in 2024/25 self assessment tax returns to
identify taxpayers who will be impacted by MTD from April 2026.
HMRC will then write to tell them they must follow the MTD rules, but this could
be as late as February or March 2026.
Some people who meet the income threshold might be able to apply for an exemption
from MTD if they meet certain criteria, for example if they are digitally
excluded.
Sharron West, Technical Officer at LITRG, said: 'There are still more than six
months to go until the self assessment deadline for 2024/25 tax returns, but if
you think you may meet the MTD threshold, you should act now.'
Internet link: Chartered Institute of Taxation