It's late July, and the 7 August quarterly deadline is looming. If you're one of the many sole traders or landlords who haven't started tracking income and expenses for Q1 (6 April to 5 July), you're not alone. There are no penalty points for late quarterly updates in 2026-27, but you still need to file. Here's exactly what happens if you file late, how much it costs, and what you need to do to get back on track.

The Q1 Filing Deadline: A Quick Recap

Your Q1 quarterly update covers the period from 6 April to 5 July 2026. The filing deadline is 7 August 2026.

This isn't like the old self-assessment system where you could file up to 10 months after the tax year ended. MTD quarterly updates are due every three months, no exceptions.

Warning: The 7 August deadline applies even if you only started trading partway through Q1. If you were within MTD scope at any point during 6 April to 5 July, you need to file.

What Happens When You File Late: The Penalty Structure

HMRC's MTD penalty system is different from the old Self Assessment penalties. Instead of an automatic fine, late submissions earn penalty points, and a financial penalty only applies once you reach a points threshold.

2026-27: No Penalty Points for Late Quarterly Updates

For the first year of MTD (2026-27), HMRC has said it will not issue penalty points for late quarterly updates. So if you miss 7 August 2026, you won't get a point or a fine for Q1. You still need to submit the update as soon as you can.

This "soft landing" doesn't cover your final declaration, due by 31 January 2028, or paying your tax on time.

How Points Work From 2027-28

From 2027-28, each late quarterly update earns one point. Quarterly filers reach the threshold at 4 points, which triggers a £200 penalty, and every later late submission while you're at the threshold costs another £200. Points reset to zero after 12 months of on-time submissions, once all outstanding returns are filed.

Late Payment Is Separate

Late payment penalties apply to tax paid late, not to quarterly updates: 3% of the tax unpaid at day 15, a further 3% at day 30, then 10% a year on what is still unpaid (the 3% rates rise to 4% from 2027-28). Interest runs at the Bank of England base rate plus 4%.

Even without penalties, filing late leaves you further behind on Q2 and makes errors more likely. Get back on track straight away.

Can You Appeal or Get Penalties Waived?

HMRC can waive penalties in certain circumstances, but the bar is high. You need to show you had a "reasonable excuse" for missing the deadline.

What Counts as a Reasonable Excuse

What Doesn't Count

HMRC won't accept these as reasonable excuses:

If you think you have a reasonable excuse, you need to appeal within 30 days of receiving the penalty notice.

Note: "I didn't know about MTD" isn't a reasonable excuse anymore. The system has been widely publicised, and ignorance of the rules won't get you out of penalties.

How to File Your Late Q1 Update

If you've missed the 7 August deadline, your priority is getting your Q1 update filed as quickly as possible. Every day you delay pushes you further behind on Q2.

Step 1: Gather Your Q1 Records

You need income and expense records for 6 April to 5 July 2026. Don't worry about getting everything perfect - you can amend your submission later if you find errors.

Focus on the essentials:

Our guide on what HMRC actually needs for Q1 covers the minimum requirements.

Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method

You have two main options for filing late:

MTD-compatible software: Full accounting software that connects directly to HMRC. More features but higher cost and complexity.

Bridging software: Simple tools that take your basic income and expense figures and submit them to HMRC. Much cheaper and easier for straightforward situations.

If you're in panic mode and just need to get your numbers submitted, bridging software is usually the fastest option.

Step 3: Submit Your Update

Once you've got your software set up and your figures entered, submit your quarterly update immediately. Don't second-guess your numbers - you can always amend later.

Check HMRC's service status before you start. If there are technical issues affecting MTD submissions, you may have grounds to appeal any penalties.

Getting Back on Track for Q2

Filing your late Q1 update is just the first step. Your Q2 quarter (6 July to 5 October) is already underway, with a filing deadline of 7 November 2026.

Start Tracking Immediately

Don't make the same mistake twice. Start recording your income and expenses for Q2 now, even if it's just in a simple spreadsheet.

The key is consistency. You don't need perfect records, but you do need to capture everything as it happens.

Set Up Proper Systems

If you're going to make MTD work long-term, you need systems that don't rely on perfect memory or last-minute panics.

Consider:

The Cost of Being Unprepared

Beyond the immediate penalty, missing your first MTD deadline can have other consequences:

HMRC Attention

A pattern of late filing can draw HMRC's attention, and from 2027-28 it builds penalty points.

Stress and Time Pressure

Rushing to file quarterly updates at the last minute means you're more likely to make errors. Errors mean amendments, and amendments take time you probably don't have.

Cash Flow Impact

MTD is designed to help you manage tax payments throughout the year, not just in January. If you're not tracking properly, you can't plan for your tax liabilities.

Note: Remember that quarterly updates don't replace your annual tax return. You still need to file a full return by 31 January 2028 for the 2026-27 tax year.

Prevention: Avoiding Future Deadline Misses

The best way to handle MTD penalties is never to face them in the first place. Here's how successful sole traders and landlords stay on track:

Monthly Money Dates

Set aside time each month to review your income and expenses. It's much easier to remember what happened 30 days ago than 90 days ago.

Quarterly Deadline Calendar

Put all your MTD quarterly deadlines in your calendar with multiple reminders. Treat them like any other important business appointment.

Simple Software Setup

You don't need complex accounting software to comply with MTD. Choose something you'll actually use rather than something with every possible feature.

File Your Late Q1 Update Today

Get your Q1 numbers submitted quickly with HMRC-recognised bridging software. Free for 2026-27, then £19.99 a year.

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The Bottom Line on Late Filing

Missing the 7 August 2026 deadline won't earn a penalty point in 2026-27, but from 2027-28 late updates count toward a £200 penalty. The key is acting quickly to file your late update and putting systems in place to avoid missing future deadlines. Make getting your Q1 update submitted your immediate priority. Then focus on building habits that will keep you compliant for Q2 and beyond.