Quarterly update deadlines
| Update | Starting April 2027 (2027/28) | Started April 2026 (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 · 6 Apr – 5 Jul | 7 August 2027 | 7 August 2026 |
| Q2 · 6 Apr – 5 Oct | 7 November 2027 | 7 November 2026 |
| Q3 · 6 Apr – 5 Jan | 7 February 2028 | 7 February 2027 |
| Q4 · 6 Apr – 5 Apr | 7 May 2028 | 7 May 2027 |
| Final declaration | 31 January 2029 | 31 January 2028 |
The pattern repeats each year: 7 August, 7 November, 7 February, and 7 May, then the final declaration on the following 31 January. You can send an update any time after the quarter ends, and up to 10 days early if you're sure nothing else is coming in.
Calendar quarters
You can choose to work to month-ends instead (1 April – 30 June, and so on). The deadlines are the same. You must choose before your first update, and you can't switch during the year.
Paying your tax
Payment dates don't change. Your balance is due by 31 January. If your bill is £1,000 or more, HMRC usually also asks for two payments on account towards the next year, due on 31 January and 31 July.
Countdown to April 2027
| By 31 January 2027 | File your 2025/26 return as normal. Watch for HMRC's letter. |
| February – March 2027 | Choose your software or spreadsheet, and practise with a quarter of records. |
| 6 April 2027 | Start keeping records the MTD way. |
| 7 August 2027 | First quarterly update due. |
| 31 January 2028 | File your 2026/27 return the old way, and pay. |
| 31 January 2029 | First final declaration (2027/28). |
Questions
What if I have nothing to report in a quarter?
You still have to send an update, even if it's nil.
Can I fix a mistake in an earlier quarter?
Yes. Because updates are cumulative, the corrected totals simply go in your next update.
Get ready properly: the MTD Starter Kit (£7.99) gives you the full Plain-English Guide and the spreadsheet that does the quarterly sums.
General information, not tax advice. Not affiliated with HMRC.