The 7 November deadline

Who this applies to

Anyone already using MTD for Income Tax. That's mainly sole traders and landlords whose qualifying income was over £50,000 in 2024 to 2025, who should have started on 6 April 2026, plus anyone who volunteered. HMRC (opens in new tab). If you're not sure, use our checker.

What the update covers

It's the second update of the tax year. With standard update periods it covers 6 April to 5 October; with calendar periods, 1 April to 30 September. The deadline is 7 November either way. HMRC (opens in new tab).

Each update covers the tax year so far, not just the last three months. So if you spot a mistake from the first quarter, you can correct it in your records and it flows through. You don't need to resend the earlier update. HMRC (opens in new tab).

It's a summary, not a tax return

Your software adds up your digital records into totals for each income and expense category. HMRC doesn't see individual receipts or invoices, and you don't need to make accounting or tax adjustments first. HMRC (opens in new tab).

If you had no income

You still send an update. HMRC says that if you haven't received any income or had any expenses in the period, you must still send your quarterly update to tell them. HMRC (opens in new tab).

What happens if you're late

For the 2026 to 2027 tax year, HMRC won't apply penalty points for late quarterly updates. You will still need to send every update before you can submit your tax return, and late tax returns do still get points. HMRC (opens in new tab).

From 2027 to 2028, each late update gets a point, and four points means a £200 penalty. HMRC (opens in new tab). So this year is a good time to get into the habit without the risk.

If you're volunteering for MTD, penalties don't apply to late quarterly updates, though penalty points still apply to late tax returns. HMRC (opens in new tab).

When you can send it

Any time from 6 October (or 1 October on calendar periods) up to 7 November. You can also send up to 10 days before the period ends if you don't expect any more transactions. HMRC (opens in new tab).

Quick checklist

• Records up to date to 5 October (or 30 September).
• Check the totals your software shows you.
• Send one update for each self-employment and property business.
• Put the next date in your diary: 7 February 2027. Our deadline calendar does it for you.

Facts checked against GOV.UK on 2026-10-16. General information, not tax advice.