Submitting a nil return
Even if your business had no transactions in a quarter, you must still send an update — often called a “nil return”.
Your software will let you send zeros for income and expenses. That tells HMRC nothing happened in the period and prevents a missed-deadline penalty. If you send nothing, HMRC treats it the same as a late submission (which, from 2027/28, may add penalty points).
If you realise after the deadline that you forgot even a nil update, send it as soon as possible. Most modern tools prompt you each quarter so blank quarters are uncommon.
Nil is not optional
A nil update is required for each income source in scope, not just once for your whole tax position. If you have a trade and a property business, both need their own updates.
Related Articles
Was this article helpful?
Ready to comply with MTD?
Abridge makes it easy to submit your spreadsheet to HMRC.