MTD first quarterly update: what to submit by 7 August

What the update actually is

A quarterly update is a summary of your business income and allowable expenses for the quarter, totalled by category and sent from HMRC-recognised software. It is not a tax return, not a payment, and not final — the numbers roll forward and get finalised later. See our what you actually send HMRC each quarter guide for the detail.

The figures to have ready

• Total business income for 6 April – 5 July.
• Allowable expenses, totalled by category (the standard self-employment categories) — see allowable expenses.
• For landlords: property income and expenses, kept separate from any trade.

If your records are up to date, this is a few totals, not a project. If they aren't, that's the real work — and the reason the record-keeping habit matters more than the software.

The dates that now run your year

• 7 August — Q1 (6 Apr – 5 Jul) · 7 November — Q2 · 7 February — Q3 · 7 May — Q4
• Plus a final declaration by 31 January (replacing the old Self Assessment return).

Not sure whether — or when — MTD applies to you? Run the free MTD for Income Tax deadline checker (no signup), or read does MTD apply to me?

First-year grace (2026/27)

HMRC has confirmed a soft landing: no late-submission penalty points for quarterly updates during 2026/27 for the first wave. You still keep digital records and send the updates — you just won't collect points for lateness this first year. It's breathing room, not a pass. Full penalty detail is in our deadlines & penalties guide.

Checklist for 7 August

1. Confirm you're in scope (deadline checker above).
2. Make sure you have HMRC-recognised software that can file the update (free options exist on GOV.UK's list).
3. Bring your 6 Apr – 5 Jul income and expenses up to date and categorised.
4. Send the update from your software before 7 August.
5. Keep the submission confirmation (screenshot or email) in your records.

FAQ

What do I actually submit for the first MTD quarterly update?

A summary of your business income and allowable expenses for the quarter (6 April to 5 July), totalled by category, sent from HMRC-recognised software. It is not a tax return, not a payment, and not final — figures roll forward and are corrected in the final declaration.

When exactly is it due?

7 August, for the quarter 6 April to 5 July, if you were mandated into MTD for Income Tax from April 2026 (qualifying income over £50,000). The following deadlines are 7 November, 7 February and 7 May.

What happens if I'm late this first year?

HMRC has confirmed a soft landing: no late-submission penalty points for quarterly updates during 2026/27 for the first wave. You still must send the update before your final declaration — treat the grace as breathing room, not a pass. Always check current GOV.UK guidance for your situation.

Do I pay any tax on 7 August?

No. Quarterly updates are information only — there is no payment attached. Your payment dates are unchanged (the 31 January balancing payment, and payments on account in July if they apply to you).