A survey conducted by IPSE found that 70% either have not heard of the initiative or do not realise it requires digital record-keeping and quarterly submissions through approved software.
MTD for Income Tax will come into force in April 2026.
However, IPSE’s survey found that most sole traders are still managing their finances in ways that will not meet MTD requirements. A third continue to use pen and paper for their books, two-thirds rely on spreadsheets, and more than half track income through bank statements.
IPSE said:
‘Given the fact that we’ve already had previous delays and considerable resources and time have been invested, HMRC will not be pausing this rollout anytime soon.
‘However, HMRC has a duty to inform as many sole traders as possible – and right now, that awareness campaign is simply not landing.
‘With less than six months until the first deadline, our findings highlight a serious communication gap. Most respondents reported receiving no direct information from HMRC about MTD, which explains why awareness remains so low.’
READ MORE
16/12/2025
View all >
30/03/2026
Hundreds of employers handed penalties for illegally underpaying workers
Almost 400 employers from across the UK have been named for failing to pay the minimum wage to tens of thousands of workers, says the government.
HMRC website seeks to close tax knowledge gaps
HMRC has launched a new ‘Tax Confident’ website which it says will help people fill their tax knowledge gaps.
Self-employed gender pay gap is £51 per day
Self-employed women in the UK earn £51 less per day than men on average, according to IPSE, the self-employed association.
Sign up to keep in touch to receive our latest news and industry updates.
* *
Yes, I would like to receive email updates providing me with the latest finance news, advice guides and details of future events.