Help and Support for Making Tax Digital

Introduction

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is rolling out from April 2026, and HMRC provides a range of help and support to guide you through the changes. This article explains where to find official guidance, webinars, and videos to help you prepare — whether you manage your own tax affairs or work with an agent.

Who the support is for

HMRC has created different resources depending on your circumstances:

• Sole traders and landlords who manage their own tax affairs
• Joint property owners who share rental income
• Businesses with income from property or self-employment
• Agents and accountants who manage tax affairs on behalf of clients

Each group has tailored videos, webinars, and guidance to address specific questions and concerns.

Video introductions

If you're new to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, HMRC has produced introductory videos that explain the basics in plain language.

For sole traders and landlords

The "Customers — Making Tax Digital for Income Tax" video covers:

• Who Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to
• What the changes involve
• How the changes will help you
• The timeline for the rollout
• Where to find further support

This is a good starting point if you're unsure whether Making Tax Digital affects you or what you'll need to do.

For agents

The "Agents — Making Tax Digital for Income Tax" video explains:

• Who among your clients will be affected
• What your clients will need to do
• How the changes will help you and your clients
• The timeline for implementation
• How to join the testing programme

There's also a separate video showing agents how to add client authorisations to your Agent Services Account, including transferring authorisations from your existing online services account.

Live and recorded webinars

HMRC runs regular webinars on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. These go into more detail than the introductory videos and allow you to ask questions during live sessions.

General webinars for sole traders and landlords

The "Get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax if you're a sole trader or landlord" webinar covers:

• Who will need to sign up and when
• What you or your agent will need to do
• Making informed software choices
• Signing up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
• Authorising your agent
• Following the requirements
• How to utilise any benefits and opportunities

You can register for live sessions or watch recorded versions at your convenience.

Webinars for landlords and joint property owners

If you own property jointly or have specific questions about rental income, a dedicated webinar covers:

• Understanding the key rules and who they apply to
• When the requirements take effect
• Identifying responsibilities and choosing the right software
• Authorising your agent and signing up
• Staying compliant and exploring benefits

This webinar addresses the particular issues that arise when multiple people share property income.

Webinars for those without an accountant

If you don't use an accountant or bookkeeper, HMRC runs a specific webinar covering:

• Planning for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, including working out if and when you're affected
• What you need to do to prepare
• Signing up and the actions you'll need to take
• Following the rules and taking advantage of benefits

This session assumes you'll be managing the process yourself and focuses on practical steps.

Business-focused webinar

The "Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for businesses" webinar explains the timeline based on your qualifying income level:

• 6 April 2026 for qualifying income over £50,000
• 6 April 2027 for qualifying income over £30,000
• 6 April 2028 for qualifying income over £20,000

It covers using compatible software, keeping digital records throughout the year, and sending quarterly updates to HMRC.

Webinars for agents

Agents have access to dedicated webinars about the Agent Services Account, which explain:

• What an Agent Services Account is
• How to add existing client authorisations for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
• Asking a client to authorise you

These sessions help agents prepare their systems and processes for the new requirements.

How to register and join webinars

You can register for webinars in advance through the links provided on HMRC's website. HMRC recommends joining each webinar 5 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure you don't miss any content.

Both live and recorded webinars are available, so you can choose the format that suits your schedule.

Email updates from HMRC

To stay informed about Making Tax Digital developments, you can subscribe to HMRC's help and support email service. This sends you updates on:

• Making Tax Digital changes and deadlines
• Software compatibility
• Technical guidance
• Other tax topics relevant to individuals, businesses, employers, and agents

You can manage your topic subscriptions at any time and unsubscribe whenever you want.

Finding compatible software

An important part of preparing for Making Tax Digital is choosing software that works with HMRC's systems. HMRC maintains an up-to-date list of compatible software options for different needs and budgets.

You'll need software that can:

• Keep digital records
• Submit quarterly updates to HMRC
• Work with your existing bookkeeping processes

Working out if you're affected

If you have income from property or self-employment, the timing depends on your qualifying income — the total income from these sources before expenses. HMRC provides detailed guidance on working out your qualifying income to determine when you need to start using Making Tax Digital.

Next steps

Start by watching the relevant introductory video for your situation, then register for a webinar that addresses your specific circumstances. If you use an accountant, check with them about how they're preparing for Making Tax Digital on your behalf.

The earlier you start preparing — by understanding the requirements, choosing software, and familiarising yourself with the new processes — the smoother the transition will be when your start date arrives.

Sources

• Help and support for Making Tax Digital
• Work out your qualifying income for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

This article provides general guidance based on current HMRC rules. For advice specific to your situation, speak to your accountant.