Who can't yet sign up for MTD IT?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT) becomes mandatory from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. However, HMRC’s current guidance makes clear that not everyone can sign up yet. If you are preparing early, are you actually eligible?
According to HMRC’s sign-up guidance, certain taxpayers are currently excluded from joining MTD IT. These include individuals who:
- are members of a partnership
- are subject to bankruptcy or an individual voluntary arrangement
- have certain complex tax affairs that the system does not yet support
- do not meet the digital and identity verification requirements.
In addition, some taxpayers with particular reporting needs may find that the service cannot yet accommodate their circumstances. HMRC has indicated that functionality is being expanded in stages. If you attempt to sign up and are not eligible, your application will be rejected and you will remain within self-assessment. This does not remove the obligation to join when mandation applies and your circumstances fall within scope. As 6 April 2026 approaches, you should review both your income level and your eligibility under HMRC’s current criteria before attempting to enrol. Checking the guidance in advance can prevent delays and confusion during the transition to digital reporting.
Related Topics
-
Supreme Court finds LLP asset managers are not influencers
The Supreme Court has ruled that portfolio managers at a hedge fund did not have significant influence over the affairs of a limited liability partnership (LLP) and as such fell squarely within the salaried members rules. How does this decision impact LLPs across the board?
-
CT61
-
Government finally confirms date for capital goods scheme reforms
The government has finally confirmed when long-awaited changes to the capital goods scheme (CGS) will take effect. The reforms, first announced as part of a wider review of VAT simplification, will come into force on 29 July 2026. What does this mean for businesses?