What Are the MTD Quarterly Update Deadlines?
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MTD quarterly updates are due on the 5th of the month following each quarter end. For a standard tax year: Q1 (Apr-Jun) due 5 August, Q2 (Jul-Sep) due 5 November, Q3 (Oct-Dec) due 5 February, Q4 (Jan-Mar) due 5 May.
MTD means more frequent reporting than the annual self-assessment you're used to. Here are the key dates.
When are quarterly updates due?
Each quarter closes, and you have until the 5th of the following month to submit your update. This gives you about 5 weeks after the quarter ends.
| Quarter | Period | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6 April – 5 July | 5 August |
| Q2 | 6 July – 5 October | 5 November |
| Q3 | 6 October – 5 January | 5 February |
| Q4 | 6 January – 5 April | 5 May |
What do I submit each quarter?
A summary of your income and expenses for that quarter. Your MTD software compiles this from your digital records and submits it to HMRC. It's not a full tax return—just an update on the quarter's transactions.
You're reporting:
- Total rental income received
- Allowable expenses by category
- Property-related costs
What happens if I miss a deadline?
HMRC uses a points-based penalty system. Each late submission adds a penalty point. Once you hit the threshold, you receive a £200 fine. Further late submissions add more fines.
The threshold for quarterly submissions is 4 points—so you can miss 3 deadlines before the first fine. But points don't reset easily, so don't treat this as a buffer.
Is there a final annual submission?
Yes. After your four quarterly updates, you must submit an End of Period Statement (EOPS) and then a Final Declaration by 31 January following the tax year. The Final Declaration replaces your traditional self-assessment return.
Timeline for tax year 2026/27:
- Q1-Q4 updates: as per schedule above
- End of Period Statement: after Q4
- Final Declaration: by 31 January 2028
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit early?
Yes. You can submit anytime after the quarter ends, up to the deadline. Some landlords prefer to submit immediately while everything is fresh.
What if my accounting period differs?
MTD follows the tax year (6 April – 5 April). If you currently use a different accounting period, you'll need to adjust. Most landlords already align with the tax year anyway.
Do I still do self-assessment?
The Final Declaration under MTD replaces your self-assessment tax return for property and self-employment income. Other income (employment, dividends, etc.) may still require separate reporting.
Managing this yourself?
LandlordOS helps UK landlords stay compliant and organised:
- Automatic compliance reminders for Gas Safety, EICR, EPC
- Document storage with AI-powered certificate reading
- Tenancy tracking and rent management
LandlordOS tip
Set calendar reminders for the 1st of each deadline month. This gives you 4 days buffer. Establish a routine: at the start of August, November, February, and May, submit your quarterly update. Make it a habit now.