From 6 April 2026, HMRC’s new Making Tax Digital for Income Tax service will come into effect, marking a major change in how self-employed individuals, including many working within the finishes and interiors sector, manage their tax.
The move is part of HMRC’s plan to modernise the tax system and reduce errors. It will be phased in over the next three years, starting with those earning over £50,000.
- Under the new system, self-employed individuals will be required to:
- Use HMRC-recognised software to record income and expenses
- Submit quarterly updates to HMRC, helping to estimate tax bills throughout the year
- Pay a single annual tax bill by 31 January
Those affected will need to check their eligibility and register in advance, as HMRC will not automatically enrol individuals in the new system.
FIS encourages members and sole traders within the sector to prepare early and review the HMRC guidance and FAQs to understand how the changes may affect them.