HMRC contacting workers across UK as new 'legal requirement' now in force

HMRC contacting workers across UK as new 'legal requirement' now in force The tax authority is contacting people about the new rules HMRC has been reaching out to people to alert them to a new regulation that launched in April and will impact increasing numbers over the coming years. In an email, it highlighted Making Tax Digital (MTD). It represents a fresh approach to self-assessment for those who are self-employed or receive property income. Rather than completing one tax return at the conclusion of each tax year, individuals will need to utilise a new platform to submit quarterly reports alongside an end-of-year submission. MTD-compatible software must be employed to adhere to the new requirements. In an email this week, HMRC clarified that MTD was being rolled out progressively. For those whose turnover exceeded £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, it is not required to use MTD. From April 2027, those who turned over more than £30,000 in the 2025/26 tax year will be required to begin using the system. Finally, those who earned above £20,000 in 2026/27 will need to adopt it from April 2028. HMRC revealed it was hosting webinars about MTD to assist landlords, joint property owners and businesses in preparing. Businesses can sign up here for the webinar 'How to get ready for MTD if you are a business'. Those who receive income from property can register here for the webinar 'Get ready for Making Tax Digital – landlords and joint property owners'. The sessions will address the requirements of MTD for Income Tax, practical measures you can implement to prepare your business, the regulations, who will be impacted and when, making informed software decisions, authorising your agent, if relevant, and registering for MTD while taking advantage of any benefits and opportunities. How to get ready for Making Tax Digital if you're a sole trader HMRC stated: "If you're a sole trader or landlord without an accountant or bookkeeper, register for this webinar for the latest information about MTD, to help you get ready for when MTD for Income Tax, which is now a legal requirement from April 6, 2026, for those with a turnover over £50,000." The webinar will examine planning for MTD for Income Tax, understanding the regulations and determining if you're affected and when, how to prepare for MTD for Income Tax, including what you need to do, the steps you will take and registering for MTD for Income Tax and using MTD for Income Tax – adhering to the rules and considering how you can capitalise on any benefits and opportunities. Short videos are also available, including 'How do I sign up for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax', on HMRC's YouTube channel.