The roll-out of MTD is arguably the biggest change to income tax self assessment since it was introduced almost 30 years ago. From April 2026, approximately 780,000 sole traders and landlords will be required to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates, with many more joining from April 2027 and April 2028. Quarterly reporting in particular is expected to present a significant challenge for many taxpayers and agents.  

ICAEW has published a range of content to help agents prepare, all of which can be accessed quickly and easily from the MTD hub, including an overview of MTD income tax in a short article and video (watch below) for those new to the subject. The video is also available on YouTube, making it easier to share with clients. 

There is detailed technical guidance on MTD income tax in TAXguide 01/25 and practical guidance on a range of areas, including articles on choosing software and discussing MTD income tax with clients. A recent episode of the Tax Track podcast, meanwhile, considers the pros and cons of signing up to test MTD income tax.  

ICAEW’s Tax Faculty regularly includes tips for preparing for MTD income tax in its weekly TAXwire publication. Read all of the tips to date and subscribe to TAXwire to make sure you don’t miss future tips. Recent articles published in TAXwire:  

• explore the roles of main and supporting agents; 
• explain that HMRC may contact taxpayers likely to be within MTD from April 2026; and 
• look back over ten years of MTD. 

And further valuable insights are shared from ICAEW’s recent event, MTD Live. A recording of the session covering the background to, and design of MTD income tax is available to watch on demand, and the session exploring the implementation of MTD income tax is summarised in an article.   

After that, why not test your knowledge with ICAEW’s MTD income tax quiz.