HMRC produce a monthly newsletter for software developers that provide the latest information regarding Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT). Although this contains information designed for developers, the updates are worth sharing with the users of the software.
On 28 August 2026, HMRC published their Making Tax Digital for Income Tax — software developer newsletter. In this, HMRC shares the latest changes, service performance updates, and developer actions. As users of compliant software, it is useful to point to the information contained in this publication.
This month’s Newsletter covers the following topics:
- API lifecycle upates – this section is about the API (Application Programming Interface) changes that allows different payroll software applications to communicate with HMRC’s systems. There are some version migration topics to be considered;
- Live service updates – this section details what has changed in HMRC’s systems which developers will want to ensure are handled by their products. It is combined with the section about live service issues (LSIs) and covers what to do if a ‘Client/agent not authorised’ message is received and where to go to for further support;
- GOV.UK guidance updates – this covers recent guidance changes which ICB will always highlight to members;
- HMRC’s planned MTD communications - this section covers planned HMRC communications activity from September to December 2026 so developers are aware as well as the targeted audience; and
- Get involved – a section that advises developers how they can get support for their products from HMRC and key upcoming dates (including the Q2 update deadline 07 November 2026)
For Bookkeepers
The newsletter is important for developers; however, you are the users of their products so it is good to have the same information.