HM Revenue and Customs has set out five points for sole traders and landlords earning more than £50,000 before their second Making Tax Digital for Income Tax quarterly update. Self-employed taxi and private hire drivers in that group must send the update by Saturday 7 November 2026. The notice, published on 2 November, answers questions raised since the first quarterly update in August.
Not a tax return
A quarterly update is a short summary of self-employment and property income and expenses, sent through compatible software. There is no tax calculation, and no payment is due when it is sent. The overall tax position is calculated only when the tax return for the 2026 to 2027 tax year is submitted.
No need to call
A driver who successfully completed the first quarterly update in August does not need to contact HMRC for reassurance. Submission history can be viewed at any time in an HMRC online account or through Making Tax Digital software, without a call or webchat.
Software and corrections
Recognised options include software for sole traders and landlords, more advanced accounting packages, and some free products. A spreadsheet can be used when it is linked to bridging software. Guidance on GOV.UK covers how to choose compatible software.
If a digital record is wrong, correct it as soon as possible. The correction appears in the next quarterly update, so an earlier update does not need to be sent again.
Saturday 7 November
The second update can be sent before or on 7 November.
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."
People who need help should use the full phone service during the week. On Saturday the Self Assessment helpline will be open from 9am to 3pm for those sending the update. The Agent Dedicated Line will not be open that day. Webchat will be available from 8am to 4pm.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax has been mandatory for this income group since 6 April 2026. Quarterly updates must be sent through HMRC-recognised software, including bridging software for spreadsheets. Some people are exempt, including those who are digitally excluded.