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Hundreds of thousands of people could miss a major tax deadline this year as confusion grows over new HMRC rules.

New research shows seven in ten sole traders do not understand what they need to do as the government rolls out Making Tax Digital (MTD) - and only 37% know the first deadline is on August 7.

It also emerged only 8% are using software to manage their tax records despite the new rules already being in force, according to research by accounting software company Sage.

The company has teamed up with footballer and commentator Gary Neville, who is fronting a new campaign aimed at sole traders in the construction industry.

In a bid to raise awareness of the looming deadline, the firm is handing out 10,000 free hi vis workwear items including jackets, polo shirts and work trousers to workers. They will also get access to Sage Sole Trader, the brand's free MTD compatible accounting software, in a bid to protect tradies both on and off the job.

Gary Neville said: "There's already enough admin pressure on sole traders trying to run a business day to day.

"A lot of people still don't realise these tax changes are coming, so this is about helping tradespeople get ready with the right support and tools before the deadline hits."

Under the changes, sole traders, including landlords, earning more than £50,000 must keep digital tax records and send quarterly updates using MTD-compatible software as well as a final end of year declaration as part of the reporting process. There are around 4.3million sole traders in the UK.

Lisa Ewens, SVP product, small business and accountants at Sage, added: "Many sole traders are still unaware of how significant this change will be.

"Making Tax Digital is designed to modernise the tax system, but for many businesses the biggest challenge is simply knowing what they need to do next.

"We wanted to create a campaign that cuts through, helps sole traders understand what is needed from them and takes them to the places where they can get the support."

Sole traders can claim their free hi vis work gear and access to Sage Sole Trader software at www.sage.com/hi-vis ahead of the MTD deadline.

Six key questions about Making Tax Digital - and how to stay within the rules

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD)? Making Tax Digital is a UK government initiative requiring eligible sole traders and landlords to keep digital records and submit tax updates using MTDcompatible software.

Who does MTD apply to? From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with gross income over £50,000 must comply with MTD for Income Tax.

What changes for sole traders? Instead of one annual Self Assessment return, affected sole traders will need to keep digital records, and submit quarterly updates to HMRC using compatible software.

When is the first MTD submission deadline? The first quarterly MTD submission deadline for many sole traders is August 7.

Is MTD compulsory? Yes. MTD is a legal HMRC requirement for those within scope.

What is MTDcompatible software? MTDcompatible software allows users to keep digital records and submit required updates directly to HMRC in line with MTD rules.