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TaxSnapper

Free MTD checker · Income Tax

Does Making Tax Digital apply to me?

Not sure what Making Tax Digital means for you? Answer a few questions to check the income thresholds, see a possible start date and understand your next step.

No exact figures neededNo sign-upLinks to HMRC guidance
01 · Your situation

Start with the basics.

This checks MTD for Income Tax for individuals. It does not check MTD for VAT or Corporation Tax. Guidance checked 15 October 2026.

Which circumstances should I check?

Possible exemptions include digital exclusion, not having a National Insurance number before the relevant tax year, and certain reliefs or tax-return pages. Some exemptions are temporary and some require an application.

Also check separately if you started or stopped income sources, have a short or long accounting period, amended a return, or have overseas residence, foreign income, trust income or other specialist circumstances.

HMRC exemptions · HMRC qualifying-income rules

No UTR, National Insurance number or login is needed. This checker does not upload or save your answers.

02 · Your income bands

Use income before expenses.

Add qualifying income from all your sole trades and property sources. Exclude salary, dividends, pensions and an ordinary partnership profit share. Use the relevant tax-return figures for completed years.

What counts towards the threshold?

Use combined turnover, not profit. Include your share of jointly owned property income. Special rules apply where you only receive a net property figure, to VAT treatment, overseas income and non-standard accounting periods. Check HMRC’s income guidance before choosing a band if unsure.

6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025 · Checks the 6 April 2026 start date.

6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026 · Checks the 6 April 2027 start date.

6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027 · Planning only until figures are final. Checks the 6 April 2028 start date.

Each threshold is strictly “more than”. An amount exactly at the stated threshold does not trigger that start date.

Use HMRC’s official guidance ↗

A clearer picture of Making Tax Digital.

What changes if MTD applies?

You need compatible software for digital records, quarterly updates and your tax return. You may use more than one product, but the software and transfer process must work together. HMRC’s software guidance.

What if I have not had a letter from HMRC?

You still need to check your position. A missing letter does not mean MTD does not apply. Check HMRC’s guidance.

What if I already use MTD and my income falls?

Do not stop just because one year is lower. Rules on opting out can involve three consecutive years below the relevant threshold. Check with HMRC or your accountant before changing how you report. Read the qualifying-income rules.

Does downloading a TaxSnapper report complete my MTD obligations?

No. TaxSnapper helps sole traders organise records and export reports. It does not submit MTD updates or tax returns to HMRC. You need separate compatible software or an accountant, and must check the required digital links and import format. See what TaxSnapper reports include.

An initial guide based on your answers, not an HMRC decision. It cannot assess every exemption or specialist case. Recheck when your figures or circumstances change.