Why can an MTD IT quarterly update show as sent but still be outstanding at HMRC?
What should you do if an MTD quarterly update shows as sent but is still outstanding to HMRC? Let's show you exactly what steps to take.
·3 min read
A quarterly update that shows as sent in software means the software has passed it to HMRC. It does not on its own confirm that HMRC has marked the quarter’s obligation as fulfilled. In BrightBooks the status moves from Submitted to Fulfilled once HMRC processes the update. Check the obligation status before telling a client their Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD) quarter is done.
What is the difference between submitted and fulfilled in MTD for Income Tax?
Submitted means the update has left the software, whereas fulfilled means that HMRC has processed it and recorded the quarter’s obligation as met. BrightBooks moves a period from Open to Generated when the figures are saved, to Submitted when the update is sent to HMRC, and to Fulfilled once HMRC processes it.
Why did confirming MTD for Income Tax filings take so much time in the first quarter?
Bright’s survey respondents named confirming that a filing had gone through as one of four recurring problems in the first MTD for Income Tax quarter. Where a practice’s software did not show the obligation status reliably, the only sure check was to open each client’s HMRC online account and look at the obligation for each filing. For a practice with many clients and several income sources each, that check multiplies quickly.
How do you confirm an MTD quarterly update was fulfilled?
Find the obligation for the right period. For the second 2026/27 update, standard update periods cover the 6th of April to the 5th of October 2026 and calendar update periods cover the 1st of April to the 30th of September 2026. The deadline is the 7th of November 2026 either way, according to HMRC’s guidance on sending quarterly updates.
Look for the Fulfilled status in the software. In BrightBooks, open the MTD for Income Tax screen in the General Ledger and read the status against the period.
If the status still reads Submitted, wait and refresh. BrightBooks retrieves open and historic obligations directly from HMRC, so a later look shows HMRC’s current position.
If the software does not show fulfilment, check the client’s HMRC online account. Look at the obligation for that income source and period.
Record the result. Note the date and outcome against the client’s MTD Quarterly Filing record, so the next person to open the file can see it.
What should you check if an update seems to have gone through but the quarter stays open?
Check that the update covered the whole period HMRC holds for that income source. A mismatch between standard and calendar update periods is one cause practices reported, and standard or calendar update periods and how to avoid a mismatch explains how to check it. If the dates match and the obligation stays open, contact the software supplier or HMRC and keep a note of the date you filed.
Which clients need a different message about filing status?
Clients on different software need different messages about whether the software’s own status can be relied on. Segmenting MTD IT clients by who keeps the records sets out the groups, and the same groups tell you which clients need an obligation check after every filing.
How does BrightManager help with MTD filing status?
BrightManager gives each client an MTD IT Quarterly Filing record that holds a latest action, the date of that action, the date records were received and a progress note. BrightManager also links to HMRC to collect the filing status, so a practice can work with clients on any filing software.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘submitted’ mean HMRC has accepted a quarterly update?
Does ‘submitted’ mean HMRC has accepted a quarterly update?
No. Submitted means the software has sent the update to HMRC. In BrightBooks the status changes to Fulfilled once HMRC processes the update.
How can you check a quarterly update was fulfilled if the software does not show it?
How can you check a quarterly update was fulfilled if the software does not show it?
Open the client’s HMRC online account and look at the obligation for the income source and period. Record the date you checked against the client’s file.
This content may have been developed with the assistance of AI tools. Content is reviewed by a member of the Bright team before publication. Guidance on legislation can be obtained from your industry body.
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