MTD For Landlords: FAQs

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a key part of the UK government’s effort to modernise the tax system, aiming to make it more efficient and easier to get your tax right. Under MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), landlords in scope switch from traditional annual tax returns to submitting quarterly digital updates to HMRC.

Since April 2026, landlords with an annual income of over £50,000 have had to comply, followed by those earning over £30,000 from April 2027 and those over £20,000 from April 2028. This shift may feel like a big change, particularly for landlords not used to digital tax reporting. If your own start date has not arrived yet, preparing now can help ensure a smooth transition.

The following FAQs address common concerns about MTD for landlords, helping you understand the process, requirements, and how to prepare.

Related: Making Tax Digital For Landlords: The Complete Guide

Introduction to MTD for Landlords

What is Making Tax Digital for ITSA?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) is part of the UK government's initiative to modernise the tax system, aiming to make it easier to file taxes accurately. Since April 2026, MTD for ITSA has required landlords and self-employed individuals earning over £50,000 annually to use compatible software for:

• Keeping digital records
• Submitting regular updates to HMRC

From April 2027, landlords earning over £30,000 will also need to comply with these rules, and from April 2028 those earning over £20,000. If you're unfamiliar with digital tax reporting, now is a good time to start preparing for this transition.

What does MTD mean for landlords?

Since April 2026, landlords with annual earnings above £50,000 have had to shift how they report income and expenses under the Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) rules. The annual tax return is replaced by quarterly updates and a 'Final Declaration.'

Filing taxes can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to the process. Our Self Assessment Tax Return guide can help you get started with confidence.

When does MTD for landlords start?

The rules for MTD for ITSA apply from:

• April 2026: Landlords earning above £50,000 from property or combined property and sole trader income
• April 2027: Landlords earning above £30,000
• April 2028: Landlords earning above £20,000

The £20,000 threshold from April 2028 is the final phase currently announced.

Income and Reporting Requirements: MTD For Landlords

How do you calculate income for MTD for landlords?

To determine your income for MTD, you'll need to combine all your rental and sole trader earnings. For example, if you earn £50,000 from property alone or from a mix of property and business income, you must sign up for MTD for ITSA.

Landlords operating as limited companies should continue to submit company tax returns and financial accounts to both HMRC and Companies House.

What information must landlords send to HMRC?

Instead of submitting one annual return, MTD requires landlords to send quarterly updates via MTD-compliant software, covering income and expenses. In addition, a Final Declaration must be submitted by January 31 following the end of the tax year, where you will declare tax relief claims and additional income, such as savings or investments.

Joint landlords may submit expenses annually but must still report income quarterly. Less detailed records for jointly-owned properties may also be submitted, with more guidance available through HMRC.

Does property sale income count toward MTD for ITSA?

No, income from the sale of a property falls under Capital Gains Tax, not MTD for Income Tax. You'll need to report and pay Capital Gains Tax within 60 days of the property sale.

Exemptions and Special Cases For MTD for Landlords

Who does MTD for landlords apply to?

MTD for ITSA has applied to landlords earning at least £50,000 annually from rental income since April 2026. This includes buy-to-let properties, Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHLs), non-UK properties, and commercial properties. Joint landlords must comply if their share of the income exceeds £50,000.

From April 2027, the threshold lowers to £30,000, and from April 2028 to £20,000, affecting more landlords who will need to follow MTD rules.

When does MTD not apply to landlords?

MTD for ITSA doesn't apply if you earn income through shares in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) or operate as a limited company. Limited company landlords should continue to file company accounts and tax returns through the existing system.

Getting Ready For MTD for Landlords

How can landlords prepare for MTD?

To prepare for MTD, you'll need to:

1. Set up MTD-compatible software (Create your free Landlord Studio account today)
2. Familiarise yourself with HMRC's reporting requirements for landlords
3. Set aside time for regular accounting since quarterly updates replace the annual tax return.

Additionally, consider hiring a tax professional who specialises in landlord tax obligations to help ensure you stay compliant.

How do landlords sign up for MTD?

If you are already in scope you need to be signed up for MTD for IT. If your own start date has not arrived yet, you can sign up early voluntarily if you're registered for Self Assessment, are up to date with your tax returns, and are already using a compatible software. Learn more about signing up early here.

• ‍Check if you need to sign up for MTD for IT here‍
• Check when you need to sign up for MTD for IT here

Should landlords sign up for MTD for Income Tax voluntarily?

Signing up early for MTD for ITSA can help you become familiar with the new reporting process. By using cloud-based accounting software now, you can smoothly transition to digital tax reporting for rental income and be fully compliant when your own deadline arrives.

To sign up voluntarily, you'll need to meet specific criteria and have MTD-compliant software. 

For more details, consult the HMRC guidance on early registration here.

Do I need to register for MTD for Income Tax if I’ve already signed up for MTD for VAT?

Yes. MTD for VAT and MTD for Income Tax are separate processes, so you'll need to register for each one individually. More information on MTD for VAT is available here.

Are You Ready for MTD? Take The Quiz

MTD Software for Landlords

Do I Need New Software for MTD?

To comply with MTD, businesses must use compatible software that meets HMRC’s requirements. When choosing a software consider the following:

• Compatibility: Check if the system is compatible with MTD.
• Ease of Use: The software should offer a smooth transition, allowing you to easily import existing data and file returns directly with HMRC.
• Linking Software: If you use spreadsheets, look for API-enabled or bridging software to connect your data to HMRC’s systems.

Landlord Studio is HMRC-recognised and MTD compliant, with direct HMRC integration.

Do Spreadsheets Qualify as MTD-Compatible Software?

Spreadsheets alone do not meet MTD requirements, but they can be used in conjunction with MTD-compatible bridging software. Here are the key points:

• API-Enabled: The spreadsheet must be API-enabled or work with bridging software to send data directly to HMRC.
• Adjustments: While spreadsheets can handle tasks like partial exemption calculations, adjustments must be entered into the accounting software.
• VAT Groups: If you’re consolidating returns for a VAT group using a spreadsheet, it must be MTD compliant and capable of submitting returns directly.

Consulting with a cloud-accounting expert can help you assess if switching to a more cost-effective solution would be beneficial.

Can I Still File My Returns Manually Through the HMRC Portal?

MTD requires businesses to use compatible digital software that connects to HMRC via an API for submitting returns.

Manually re-keying figures into another package or spreadsheet is not allowed. A ‘soft landing’ period applied in the early years of MTD for VAT, during which ‘cut and paste’ methods could be used to transfer data between software, but that ended for VAT periods starting after 1 April 2020.

More MTD For Landlord Assistance

Can an accountant sign a landlord up for MTD?

Yes, an accountant or bookkeeper can help you sign up for MTD for ITSA. Consult with your tax professional for support in this transition.

Where Can I Find More Information and Advice?

Making Tax Digital offers significant benefits in terms of accuracy and efficiency, even if transitioning to digital accounting may seem overwhelming at first.

Read our Making Tax Digital For Landlords: The Complete Guide to learn more about MTD, process, timelines, penalties and requirements.

Final Words: Landlord Studio and MTD Compliance

Making Tax Digital is transforming the way landlords manage their tax obligations, and staying compliant with these requirements is crucial. Landlord Studio offers an all-in-one solution designed specifically for landlords, helping you manage every aspect of your property business— from income and expense tracking to tenant management to advanced financial reporting.

With MTD now in force, now is the perfect time to streamline your accounting processes with Landlord Studio. Save time, reduce errors, and stay ahead of evolving tax laws.

Simplify your rental property management and accounting and become MTD compliant today.