The short version
Check HMRC’s official guidance to find out if and when you need to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Being unsure, not having connected software yet or seeing no updates in software does not establish that you are outside the service.
Check with HMRC
HMRC’s find out if and when guidance explains the conditions, exemptions and start dates. Read it at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-and-when-you-need-to-use-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax. You can also join voluntarily when eligible. From September 2026, HMRC began signing up people who need to use the service for 2026 to 2027 and have not signed themselves up. See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sign-up-for-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax.
Keep your answer separate from your obligations
A setup answer helps software show the next step. It cannot replace HMRC’s obligations. In SimpleTaxFlow, choose I am not sure if you do not know. Connect your own HMRC account when ready. A business with no update due yet and a failed read are different situations, and neither is proof that you are not signed up.
Start keeping your books
You can complete four setup questions and keep records before connecting HMRC. Home keeps the sign-up check and connection reachable. Start with SimpleTaxFlow: £1 + VAT/month for 6 months, then £5 + VAT/month.
Put this into practice
Follow the step-by-step SimpleTaxFlow workflow when you are ready to act.