HMRC has launched 'Ready, Steady, File!', a new quarterly newsletter for volunteers in the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax testing programme. Edition 1 was published on 7 November 2025 and is designed to share news, resources and milestone reminders as the 2025 testing programme continues.

Inside the first issue, HMRC sets out user research takeaways from the 2024 to 2025 test year, highlights that the first quarterly update in the testing year was due by 5 August 2025 with submissions from late July, and invites volunteers to feed back on the sign‑up experience. During testing, late quarterly updates do not attract penalties.

The newsletter also summarises what the service has proven so far, including a smoother sign‑up for individuals and agents (even with non‑standard periods), the ability to add income sources, make and edit quarterly submissions, opt out of quarterly obligations during testing, and see PAYE income pre‑populate payment‑on‑account estimates.

Mandation is close. HMRC guidance confirms MTD for Income Tax starts on 6 April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income above £50,000, then from 6 April 2027 for those above £30,000, with plans to extend to £20,000 from April 2028 subject to legislation. Volunteers currently see quarterly deadlines displayed as the fifth of the month; this will change ahead of April 2026.

For Eco Current readers, there’s a climate upside to digitising tax admin. A peer‑reviewed life‑cycle assessment in Environmental Science and Pollution Research estimates that moving one million bills online rather than paper avoids around 18.9 tonnes CO2e, with national‑scale savings possible depending on user behaviour.

To keep compliance simple and cut waste, align your workflow now: use MTD‑compatible software alongside e‑invoicing and digital receipts, reduce printing where possible, and set a baseline using the Carbon Trust’s free SME Carbon Footprint Calculator so progress is visible and measurable across the year.

Testers also get extra help. HMRC runs a dedicated MTD for Income Tax support team for volunteers on 0300 322 9619 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm) and says the service supports multiple agents and opt‑outs during testing where appropriate.

Digitising records pairs well with new workplace recycling rules in England, which require all organisations to separate paper and card, food waste and other dry recyclables from 31 March 2025, with a grace period for micro‑firms until 31 March 2027. Less printing means less to sort and better material quality.

Expect more support shortly. HMRC plans to issue 'Ready, Steady, File!' every three months, add guidance where testers say it’s missing, and continue working with developers so those with the simplest affairs have free or low‑cost software options. If MTD applies to you in 2026 or 2027, subscribe and stay ahead.