Quarterly reporting works better when most of the checking happens during the quarter. First confirm your start date and software arrangements using the MTD guide.
During the quarter
- Keep income and expense records up to date in the agreed digital system.
- Save statements, fee invoices and receipts as they arrive.
- Review mileage classifications and mark missing records for follow-up.
- Reconcile each platform’s settlements and investigate unexplained differences.
Before submitting
Check which businesses need updates, the period selected and the deadline shown in your software or HMRC account. Where records flow between systems, preserve the required digital links. Agree whether you or your accountant submits; both people assuming the other has done it is not a control.
- Resolve duplicate bank imports and incorrect categories.
- Review adjustments with your accountant rather than treating a provisional figure as final.
- Submit through compatible software and confirm acceptance.
- Save the acknowledgement and note any outstanding corrections.
After the update
Quarterly updates do not replace the year-end tax return. Keep a separate list of other income, reliefs and annual adjustments. Budget for tax from a considered calculation, not just an unreviewed dashboard estimate.
HMRC’s 2026/27 quarterly late-submission points concession does not remove other obligations. See the MTD guide’s penalty explanation. If you want ongoing help, ask HMRC compliance support to specify software, review and submission responsibilities in the quote.
Sources checked 8 October 2026: Making Tax Digital · Penalty.
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