Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 have just days left to submit their second Making Tax Digital update, with HMRC clearing up five common mistakes ahead of the deadline.
Thousands of sole traders and landlords face another important tax deadline this week, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) reminds people to submit their second Making Tax Digital (MTD) quarterly update by Saturday, November 7.
The requirement applies to sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000, with the new digital reporting system becoming mandatory for them from April 6, 2026.
But after the first quarterly update was submitted in August, HMRC says it has been answering a number of common questions and misconceptions about what people need to do next.
HMRC has now highlighted five things customers should know before submitting their latest figures - including whether they need to pay tax, what happens if they make a mistake and whether they can leave their submission until Saturday.
1. You do not need to pay any tax when submitting your quarterly update
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a quarterly update is effectively another tax return.
HMRC has stressed that this is not the case.
An MTD quarterly update is simply a summary of income and expenses from self-employment and property, which must be submitted using compatible software.
There is no tax calculation involved and, importantly, no payment is due when the update is sent.
Customers' overall tax position will only be calculated when they submit their tax return for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.
2. You do not need to contact HMRC to check your submission
Anyone who successfully submitted their first quarterly update in August does not need to contact HMRC again for reassurance that it has been received.
Instead, customers can check their submission history whenever they want by logging into their HMRC online account or checking through their Making Tax Digital software.
HMRC says there is no need to call or use webchat simply to confirm that an update has gone through.
3. You do not have to buy expensive specialist accounting software
Another concern is that Making Tax Digital means customers must purchase complicated or expensive accounting packages.
HMRC says there are several recognised software options available to suit different circumstances.
These include:
- Software specifically designed for sole traders and landlords.
- More advanced accounting packages.
- Some free software options.
- Spreadsheets connected to bridging software.
Customers can find guidance on choosing Making Tax Digital-compatible software on GOV.UK .
4. You do not need to resubmit an update if you spot a mistake
Making Tax Digital is designed to allow customers to keep their financial records up to date throughout the year.
If someone spots a mistake in a digital record, they should correct it as soon as possible.
The correction will then be reflected in their next quarterly update.
This means customers do not need to resend an earlier quarterly update simply because they have discovered an error.
With less than a week to go until the second quarterly update deadline for Making Tax Digital, make sure you're prepared. ⏰ If you’re a sole trader or landlord with a combined turnover of over £50,000, you need to send your second quarterly update by 7 November. Act now. ⬇️ https://t.co/ZK0DK3dB8I
— HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) November 1, 2026
5. You can still submit your update on Saturday, November 7
The second quarterly update deadline falls on a Saturday this year, but HMRC has confirmed customers can submit their figures either before or on November 7.
The tax authority is encouraging people to get their updates sent as early as possible following the end of the reporting period.
Anyone who needs help is encouraged to contact HMRC during the week, when its full phone service is available.
However, phone support will also be available through the Self Assessment helpline on Saturday, November 7, between 9am and 3pm, for customers who need assistance with submitting their quarterly update.
Business-as-usual webchat services will be available from 8am to 4pm.
The Agent Dedicated Line will not be available on the Saturday. Tax agents can instead contact the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310.
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HMRC director issues message to sole traders and landlords
Craig Ogilvie, HMRC's Director of Making Tax Digital, said:
"Thousands of sole traders and landlords have already successfully sent their first quarterly update, and we want the second to be just as straightforward.
“As the next deadline approaches, we’re helping customers prepare with confidence by answering common questions about MTD and highlighting the support available.
"Customers can send their update any time before 7 November and I would encourage them to do so as early as possible to ensure they have everything in place before the deadline."
Customers can check whether they qualify on GOV.UK. More information about the requirements, deadlines and support available can be found in HMRC's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax guidance .
Who will have to use Making Tax Digital next?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax became mandatory for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000 from April 6, 2026.
However, the rules are being extended to more people over the next two years.
The planned timetable is:
- April 6, 2026: Sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000.
- April 6, 2027: Sole traders and landlords earning more than £30,000.
- April 6, 2028: Sole traders and landlords earning more than £20,000.
There are some exemptions, including for people who are digitally excluded.
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