MTD quarterly submissions · Guide · 2026

MTD quarterly submissions: deadlines, what to submit, and how it works.

Source: gov.uk — Making Tax Digital. [VERIFY all dates before acting.]

How quarterly submissions work

MTD Income Tax requires four quarterly summary submissions per year to HMRC, plus a final declaration by 31 January. Each quarterly update reports total rental income and expense categories for that 3-month period. The submissions are made through your MTD-compatible software. Missing a quarterly deadline earns one penalty point — four points triggers a £200 fine. [VERIFY: gov.uk]

MTD quarterly deadline calendar [VERIFY]

Quarter 1

6 April – 5 July

Due: 7 August

Quarter 2

6 July – 5 October

Due: 7 November

Quarter 3

6 October – 5 January

Due: 7 February

Quarter 4

6 January – 5 April

Due: 7 May

Final declaration

Full tax year

Due: 31 January (following year)

[VERIFY all dates at gov.uk/topic/business-tax/making-tax-digital]

FAQs

When are MTD quarterly submission deadlines?

For most landlords, the quarterly submission deadlines are approximately: 7 August (Quarter 1: 6 April–5 July), 7 November (Quarter 2: 6 July–5 October), 7 February (Quarter 3: 6 October–5 January), 7 May (Quarter 4: 6 January–5 April). The exact dates depend on your accounting period. [VERIFY: current quarterly deadlines at gov.uk/topic/business-tax/making-tax-digital]

What goes in an MTD quarterly update?

Each quarterly update is a summary of your rental income and allowable expenses for that quarter — not a detailed transaction list. HMRC receives totals by category: rental income received, allowable expense categories (repairs, letting agent fees, insurance, etc.). The detail stays in your digital records. The quarterly update is a summary submission, not a full set of accounts.

What is the final declaration?

The final declaration replaces the traditional SA100 self-assessment return. It is submitted by 31 January following the end of the tax year. It reconciles the four quarterly updates with any adjustments — personal allowances, other income sources, pension contributions — and calculates the final tax liability. Any tax due is paid by 31 January. [VERIFY: final declaration rules at gov.uk]

What happens if I miss a quarterly MTD deadline?

MTD uses a points-based penalty system. Each missed quarterly submission earns one point. Four points within 24 months triggers a £200 fixed penalty, plus further penalties for ongoing non-compliance. Points last 24 months. The system is cumulative — regular missed submissions compound. We track every quarterly deadline for every MTD client. [VERIFY: current penalty points and amounts at gov.uk]

Do I need to include all my income in each quarterly update?

The quarterly update covers your rental income and property expenses only. Other income sources (employment, dividends, self-employment) are included in the final declaration — not the quarterly updates. If you have both rental and self-employment income above the threshold, both require quarterly submissions. [VERIFY: current MTD rules at gov.uk]

We manage every quarterly submission.

No missed deadlines. We submit all four quarters and the final declaration for every MTD client.

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