Quick answer
Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it. There are no penalty points for late quarterly updates in the 2026/27 tax year, but the updates are still required. Set up your software and digital records, then send any updates that are due as soon as you can, and before you submit your final declaration.
Key facts
No penalty points for late quarterly updates in 2026/27
The updates are still required
Send them before your final declaration
From 2027/28, each missed deadline earns a point
How to catch up
Make sure you’re signed up and your software is connected to HMRC.
Create digital records for the year so far, from 6 April.
Send the updates that are due.
Put the next deadlines in your calendar: 7 November, 7 February and 7 May.
If HMRC signed you up
If you only found out you were in MTD from HMRC’s letter, catching up on missed updates is expected. See had an MTD letter from HMRC?.
From next year
From 2027/28, each missed quarterly deadline earns a penalty point, and four points means a £200 penalty. See MTD penalties.