HMRC action · September 2026
Independent guidance. Not affiliated with HMRC or GOV.UK.
From September 2026 HMRC is signing up sole traders and landlords who should already be using Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. More than 436,000 sent the first quarterly update. There are no penalty points for late quarterly updates this tax year — but you still need compatible software, digital records, and the updates before you can file.
HMRC is doing this in stages over the coming months using 2024 to 2025 tax return data. Signing up yourself means you can check your income sources before HMRC copies last year’s details across.
Auto-enrolment has started
From September 2026 HMRC is signing up people whose 2024 to 2025 qualifying income was over £50,000 and who have not joined yet.
No late-update penalties this year
HMRC will not apply penalty points for late quarterly updates in 2026 to 2027. You still need to send them before the annual return.
Next deadline: 7 November
The second quarterly update (6 April to 5 October, or 1 April to 30 September) is due 7 November 2026.
Every update linked to GOV.UK
Dated, not vague
Plain English, no jargon
Official GOV.UK and HMRC updates for Self Assessment filers, summarised and linked to their source.
Paper Self Assessment due 31 October — register by 5 October if you are new → see the deadlines guide
HMRC guidance on working out qualifying income from self-employment and property for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax.
HMRC has launched an improved online registration service for Self Assessment.
HMRC has published the SA100 tax return and guidance for the 2025-26 tax year (6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026).
UK tax residents can apply for a certificate of residence to claim tax relief in other countries and avoid double taxation on foreign income.
Sole traders and landlords with income over £50,000 must use Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax from April 2026.
HMRC may correct obvious errors or missing information on tax returns and send a revenue correction notice.
Straightforward guidance for three common Self Assessment situations.
You run your own business and pay tax on profits through Self Assessment — not via PAYE on a salary. Most self-employed people are sole traders — if you trade in your own name, read both cards.
You trade in your own name. Your business income and personal tax affairs are reported together on one Self Assessment return.
Your company is a separate legal entity. You may need a personal Self Assessment return for dividends, benefits, or other untaxed income.
Practical reminders to keep your return on track.
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference is on HMRC letters and your online account. You need it to file.
Sign in at GOV.UK to file online, view payments and check what HMRC thinks you owe.
Bank transfers can take a few days. Pay before 31 July and 31 January to avoid late-payment interest.
Photos and scans of receipts are fine if they are readable and you can find them later.
The next instalment is due 31 January 2027 with your 2025–26 balancing payment. The second payment on account is 31 July 2027.
If you also have PAYE income, an incorrect code can mean you underpay or overpay during the year.
Want the detail? Browse the guides →
How UK VAT works for sole traders, self-employed people and limited companies — registration, rates, schemes and returns.
VAT is charged on most goods and services in the UK. Registered businesses collect it from customers, file returns with HMRC, and can reclaim VAT on business purchases.
Register when taxable turnover reaches £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period — or register voluntarily below the threshold.
Standard VAT is 20%. Flat rate, cash accounting, and annual accounting schemes can simplify reporting for smaller businesses.
All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and submit returns through HMRC-approved software.
How Corporation Tax works for UK limited companies — rates, HMRC and Companies House filing, and key deadlines.
Limited companies pay Corporation Tax on taxable profits. Directors must file annual accounts with Companies House and a Company Tax Return with HMRC — separate from personal Self Assessment.
The main Corporation Tax rate is 25%. Profits of £50,000 or less are taxed at 19%, with marginal relief between £50,000 and £250,000.
Pay Corporation Tax 9 months and 1 day after your accounting period ends. File your Company Tax Return within 12 months.
File annual accounts with Companies House within 9 months of your financial year end. Company Tax Returns must be filed electronically in iXBRL format.
The next Self Assessment deadlines.
Register for Self Assessment if you are new or not yet registered
Paper filing deadline
MTD quarterly update (6 April – 5 October)
Online filing deadline if HMRC collects tax through your PAYE code
Online filing deadline, balancing payment and first payment on account
Second payment on account
Independent guidance. Not affiliated with HMRC or GOV.UK.
HMRC Tax Info is independent guidance, not tax, legal or financial advice, and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMRC or GOV.UK. Always check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified accountant or tax adviser for your own circumstances.