MTD for Income Tax Is Live: Which Software Is HMRC-Approved? (2026 Guide)
MTD for Income Tax Is Live: Which Software Is HMRC-Approved? (2026 Guide)
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is no longer a future concern — it's here. Phase 1 went live on 6 April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords earning over £50,000, and if you're one of them (or you have clients who are), you need MTD income tax software that's HMRC-approved and ready to go. The penalties for non-compliance are real, and the quarterly reporting deadlines wait for no one. This guide explains exactly what's required, reviews the approved software options with honest assessments, and gives you a practical action plan.
The good news is that the software landscape has matured significantly since HMRC first announced MTD ITSA. Several established platforms now offer genuine, tested MTD compliance — and the cheapest option starts at just £7 per month. The bad news is that not every tool claiming to be "MTD-ready" actually is, and some popular platforms still don't support the Income Tax side of Making Tax Digital at all.
The easiest way to get MTD-ready today
