Quick answer
An HMRC letter about MTD for Income Tax usually means your tax return shows qualifying income over the threshold, so you need to start from the next tax year, or that HMRC has signed you up automatically. Check the income sources HMRC lists, get compatible software, and send any quarterly updates that are due.
The two kinds of letter
A letter telling you that you need to use MTD for Income Tax from the start of the next tax year, based on your latest return.
A confirmation that HMRC has signed you up. From September 2026, HMRC began signing up people who needed MTD from April 2026 and hadn’t done it themselves.
You may get these in your HMRC online services account or by post.
What to do next
Sign in to HMRC online services with your Self Assessment details.
Check the income sources HMRC has listed and correct anything that’s wrong.
Get software that works with MTD for Income Tax.
Set up your digital records, catching up from 6 April if you’ve already started the year.
Send any quarterly updates that are due. There are no penalty points for late quarterly updates in 2026/27.
If you think HMRC has it wrong
If your income was below the threshold, or you think you’re exempt, contact HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline. You may need to apply for an exemption.
Watch out for scams
HMRC won’t ask for bank details or passwords by email or text. If a message about MTD asks you to click a link to pay or sign in, check it by going to GOV.UK directly instead.