Do I need an accountant for quarterly updates?

No, you can do them yourself using MTD-compatible software. The software helps you keep records and submit updates directly to HMRC. An accountant is optional, not required.

What happens if I miss a quarterly update deadline?

You may face a late submission penalty. HMRC expects updates by the 7th of the month after the quarter ends. It's best to set reminders.

Is a quarterly update the same as a tax return?

No. A quarterly update is just a summary of income and expenses. You still need to submit a final declaration at the end of the year to finalise your tax position.

Can I change a quarterly update after submitting?

Yes, you can amend an update within a certain period. Check HMRC's guidance for the exact time limit, but it's usually possible before the final declaration.

Do I need to pay tax with each quarterly update?

No. No payment is due with the update. You'll pay any tax owed after you submit your final declaration.

Quarterly update (MTD) — definition

A quarterly update is a summary of your business or property income and expenses sent to HMRC every three months under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. It is cumulative, carries no payment due, and is followed by a final declaration after year end.

Reviewed 18 August 2026 · Software guidance, not tax advice.

In one paragraph

A quarterly update is a digital summary you send to HMRC every three months under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for ITSA). It covers your business or property income and expenses for that quarter. The update is cumulative, meaning each one includes the year-to-date figures. No payment is due with the update; it's just a reporting step. You'll submit a final declaration after the end of your tax year to confirm the totals.

What it contains

Each quarterly update includes:

Your total income for the period
Your total expenses (categorised)
A running total that builds on previous updates

You don't need to send invoices or receipts. Just the summary figures. The update must be submitted using MTD-compatible software, which sends the data directly to HMRC.

Deadlines

You must submit each quarterly update within one month of the quarter ending. The deadline is the 7th of the following month. For example, if your quarter ends on 5 April, the update is due by 7 May. There are four updates per tax year, plus a final declaration.

Related terms

Making Tax Digital – the overall system
[Quarterly update deadlines] – more detail on dates

Remember, a quarterly update is not a tax return and doesn't trigger a payment. It's simply a way to keep your records up to date with HMRC throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an accountant for quarterly updates?: No, you can do them yourself using MTD-compatible software. The software helps you keep records and submit updates directly to HMRC. An accountant is optional, not required.
What happens if I miss a quarterly update deadline?: You may face a late submission penalty. HMRC expects updates by the 7th of the month after the quarter ends. It's best to set reminders.
Is a quarterly update the same as a tax return?: No. A quarterly update is just a summary of income and expenses. You still need to submit a final declaration at the end of the year to finalise your tax position.
Can I change a quarterly update after submitting?: Yes, you can amend an update within a certain period. Check HMRC's guidance for the exact time limit, but it's usually possible before the final declaration.
Do I need to pay tax with each quarterly update?: No. No payment is due with the update. You'll pay any tax owed after you submit your final declaration.