Making Tax Digital for Self-Employed Drivers: What You Need to Know
A plain-English guide to Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Uber, taxi, courier and delivery drivers across the UK — including deadlines and what to do now.
Making Tax Digital changes how self-employed drivers file with HMRC. Here is what it means, who it affects and the simple steps to get ready — with no accountant jargon.
What is Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC's plan to move tax record-keeping online. From April 2026, self-employed drivers earning over £50,000 will need to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC.
Who does it affect?
- Uber, Bolt and rideshare drivers
- Taxi and private hire drivers
- Courier and Amazon Flex drivers
- Delivery drivers and driving instructors
The £50,000 threshold applies from April 2026. It drops to £30,000 in April 2027 and £20,000 in April 2028, so most self-employed drivers will be included within two years.
What you need to do
- Keep digital records of income and expenses
- Use MTD-compatible software
- Submit quarterly updates to HMRC
- File a final declaration each year
How DriverBooks helps
We handle the digital record-keeping and quarterly updates for you, so you stay compliant without lifting a finger.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need MTD if I earn under £20,000? A: Not yet. The current rollout stops at £20,000 (from April 2028). HMRC has said thresholds may drop further, but no dates have been announced.
Q: What counts as "income" for the MTD threshold? A: Total gross self-employed income before expenses — for example, everything Uber, Bolt or your platform paid you across the tax year.
Q: Can I still do my own tax return once MTD applies? A: Yes, but you must use MTD-compatible software and file quarterly updates plus a final declaration. Most drivers find it faster to let DriverBooks do it.
Need help with your bookkeeping?
DriverBooks handles bookkeeping, Self Assessment and Making Tax Digital for self-employed drivers across the UK.
DriverBooks provides bookkeeping, tax support and Making Tax Digital assistance for self-employed drivers across the UK.
Related articles
What Uber and Bolt May Report to HMRC: A Guide for UK Drivers
A comprehensive guide for UK self-employed drivers explaining what Uber and Bolt may report to HMRC under the new digital-platform reporting rules, and how to keep accurate records for tax and bookkeeping.
12 July 2026