HMRC rejects almost half of Making Tax Digital exemptions

Newsletter issue – June 2026

At the time of its request, a Freedom of Information request has shown that HMRC rejected 47% of applications for exemption from the MTD for Income Tax scheme. Over 1,600 taxpayers had applied for exemption due to "digital exclusion" but only 855 were approved.

Taxpayers can apply if they cannot use digital tools because of age, disability, health conditions, or religious beliefs. Those approved can continue filing traditional Self-Assessment returns.

759 of the approved exemptions related to taxpayers entering the system in April 2026, ahead of the first rollout phase. Applications are expected to rise as the April 2027 deadline approaches as more sole traders and landlords will be eligible due to the earnings threshold dropping from £50k (earned in the 2024/25 tax year) to £30k (earned in the 2025/26 tax year).

As digital exclusion is hard to define and evidence, please get in touch if you would like us to assist in an exemption application.

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