MTD quarterly deadlines calendar 2026/27
Every standard quarterly update date, plus how the year-end final declaration fits around them.
Under MTD you send HMRC a cumulative quarterly update four times a year, then a final declaration to finish the year off. The dates are fixed and the same for everyone, so you can put them in the calendar now. Here’s the schedule for the first mandated tax year, 2026/27.
The standard quarterly deadlines
| Quarter | Period covered | Update due by |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6 April – 5 July | 7 August |
| Q2 | 6 July – 5 October | 7 November |
| Q3 | 6 October – 5 January | 7 February |
| Q4 | 6 January – 5 April | 7 May |
The pattern is simple: each standard quarter ends on the 5th (5 Jul, 5 Oct, 5 Jan, 5 Apr) and the update is due one month and seven days later (7 Aug, 7 Nov, 7 Feb, 7 May), every year. For the 2026 to 2027 tax year that means 7 August 2026, 7 November 2026, 7 February 2027 and 7 May 2027. Each cohort’s first update is due on the 7 August after it joins. If your accounting year runs 1 April to 31 March, you can opt for calendar quarters instead, with the same deadlines – but you have to choose them before your first update of the year.
The final declaration
Quarterly updates are running totals, not the finished article. After the tax year ends you make a final declaration – adding any adjustments, reliefs and other income – by the usual 31 January that follows the tax year. For 2026/27 that means 31 January 2028. It replaces the old Self Assessment return; the tax payment dates you’re used to don’t change.
A note on calendar quarters
Some software lets you elect calendar-month quarters – periods ending 30 June, 30 September, 31 December and 31 March instead of the 5ths. The submission deadlines stay the same (7 Aug, 7 Nov, and so on). GOV.UK recommends them if your accounting period runs 1 April to 31 March. Your software defaults to standard periods, so switch before you send your first quarterly update: once you’ve sent one, you can’t change for the rest of that tax year.
Don’t miss one
Missed updates accrue penalty points – see the penalties guide. Two simple habits keep you safe: set calendar reminders a week before each date, and use software with a dashboard that nudges you. If you co-own, remember each of you has your own set of these deadlines. Work out your first one with the calculator, then grab the prep checklist. Always confirm current dates on GOV.UK.
Put this into practice
Two tools do the heavy lifting – find your software, or work out your mandation date.
New to all this? Start with the pillar guide: When does MTD start for me? (free calculator).