Making Tax Digital for Landlords: Deadlines & Checklist

Key takeaways

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax requires landlords to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC.
It's phased in by income from property and self-employment combined.
You'll still submit a final declaration after the tax year ends.

Who needs to join, and when

1
Check your income
Add up gross property and self-employment income — before expenses.
2
Choose compatible software
Pick a tool on HMRC's list of MTD-compatible software.
3
Go digital now
Record rent and expenses as they happen, not at year end.
4
Sign up with HMRC
Register for MTD for Income Tax before your start date.

Get MTD-ready with Simple Landlord. Log rent and expenses as you go, so your quarterly updates take minutes, not days.

Letting agent fees

Fees for finding tenants and managing the property.

Repairs & maintenance

Not improvements that add value.

Insurance

Landlord buildings and contents insurance.

Mortgage interest

Given as a 20% tax credit, not a full deduction.

Does MTD apply if my income is under £20,000?+

Not under current plans, but HMRC may change thresholds. Check GOV.UK for updates.

Is it based on profit or income?+

Gross income — the total before expenses.

Written and reviewed by the Simple Landlord Editorial Team

Last reviewed 5 September 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Sources

Get MTD-ready with Simple Landlord

Log rent and expenses as you go, so your quarterly updates take minutes, not days.