Making Tax Digital is no longer just a concern for VAT registered businesses. For landlords with UK property income, the government’s plan to extend tax digital for income means changes are on the horizon – and understanding how they apply to rental income is key.

Landlords with annual income above a specific income threshold will be required to comply with Making Tax Digital, so it is important to know if your property income meets or exceeds this limit.

Whether you own one rental property or manage several, Making Tax Digital for landlords raises practical questions. What counts as qualifying income? How does this affect the self assessment tax return? And what does digital record keeping actually involve?

The requirement to join Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is being phased in based on qualifying income from the 2024–25 tax year onwards, with staged introduction between April 2026 and April 2028, so landlords should use this lead-in period to work through structured Making Tax Digital resources and guides.

Here’s what property owners need to know, along with practical Making Tax Digital readiness guidance that can help you prepare.

How Making Tax Digital applies to landlords

Making Tax Digital for income tax focuses on how income tax is reported, not on changing income tax rules themselves. For landlords, the starting point is property income.

Total income for MTD purposes includes rental income, sole trader income, and self employment income. The income tax threshold is based on the sum of these sources.

If your qualifying income exceeds HMRC’s threshold, and that income includes rental income from UK property, foreign income such as overseas rental income, or self employment income, you may fall within scope of MTD for income tax. The income tax threshold for MTD for Income Tax is set at £50,000 gross annual income from property or self-employment for the 2024-2025 tax year, reducing to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. These thresholds apply to your total gross annual income from property and self-employment combined.

Qualifying income is based on gross income, not profit. That means gross rental income before expenses such as letting agent fees, maintenance costs, or mortgage interest. For joint property, each owner’s share of gross income is used to determine if they meet the threshold.

Employment income taxed through PAYE and bank interest do not count towards qualifying income, but they may still be included later in the final declaration. Sole trader income and self employment income are included in the calculation for the MTD threshold.

MTD for Income Tax applies to individuals, not limited companies. Landlords operating through a limited company are currently exempt from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and will continue to pay corporation tax and submit standard company accounts and tax returns to HMRC and Companies House.

UK residents and non-residents are treated differently: non-resident landlords are not automatically exempt from Making Tax Digital, but those completing residence pages of the tax return will not be brought into MTD until April 2027. Foreign income, such as rental income from overseas properties, may be included in your total income for threshold purposes.

You are automatically exempt from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax if you are a trustee, a person without a National Insurance number, a personal representative of someone who has died, a Lloyd’s member, or a non-resident company. If you receive income from shares in a real estate investment trust (REIT), you are also exempt from MTD for private landlords.

What counts as property income?

Property income generally includes income from residential properties such as flats and apartments, whether you own one property or more than one. This includes income from:

• UK property income
• Foreign property income
• Jointly owned property, where income is declared separately

Landlords are required to report when they receive rental income, and this triggers the need to comply with Making Tax Digital if the relevant income thresholds are met.

If a property is owned jointly, each owner reports their share of the rental income. Joint property owners can report only their share of gross income in quarterly updates, with expenses reported in the final annual declaration. Making Tax Digital does not change how income is split – but it does affect how that income is recorded and reported.

Digital record keeping for landlords

One of the biggest shifts under Making Tax Digital is the requirement to maintain digital records. Utilizing accounting software that records every transaction digitally is mandatory for MTD compliance.

Landlords will need to keep correct digital records of rental income and expenses. Manual records or spreadsheets are no longer sufficient unless they are digitally linked to compatible software that connects directly to HMRC systems. The software must enable electronic communications with HMRC through their API platform, allowing landlords to submit tax information and updates electronically. Landlords can check for suitable MTD-compatible accounting software on the HMRC website.

This includes recording income received, such as the gross amount deposited into your bank account from property letting activities, expenses incurred, and maintaining financial records in a compatible digital format. Landlords should ensure their software is updated in time, as some older accounting packages may not be updated for MTD compliance. Landlords with multiple properties can manage all their properties in a single piece of MTD-compatible software. You can start preparing now by signing into your property management software, uploading your properties, and connecting your bank accounts using Open-Banking technology.

Expenses may include agent fees, letting agent fees, maintenance costs, and other allowable costs. Residential property finance costs such as mortgage interest are still subject to existing income tax rules and are handled through the final declaration rather than quarterly updates.

The aim is not perfection, but consistency. HMRC expects landlords to maintain business records digitally throughout the tax year.

Quarterly updates and rental income

Under MTD for income tax, landlords must submit quarterly income and expenditure summaries to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) using MTD for Income Tax software, replacing the traditional Self Assessment return. These quarterly updates must be submitted by the 7th of August, November, February, and May each year, and the Final Declaration must be submitted by 31 January to confirm the accuracy of all submissions.

These updates:

• Do not calculate a tax bill
• Do not replace the final tax return
• Are not the same as annual tax returns.

Each late quarterly update or final declaration results in one penalty point, with a £200 fine after four points. HMRC will introduce this points-based penalty system from April 2026, but will not apply late submission penalties for the first 12 months.

Landlords are required to report allowable expenses in each quarterly update and in the Final Declaration. Digital systems improve accuracy and reduce human error in income tax calculations and tax liability, helping landlords meet their tax obligations. Security deposits are not treated as income unless withheld for damages or unpaid rent.

They provide HMRC with a snapshot of income and expenses during the tax year. At the end of the year, a final declaration replaces the traditional self assessment tax return and confirms taxable income, adjustments, and reliefs.

For landlords used to annual reporting, this is a shift – but it can also provide earlier visibility of income tax exposure.

What doesn’t change for landlords

Despite the move to digital reporting, much stays the same, including the need for compliant MTD for VAT software if you are VAT registered.

Income tax rules still apply as they do now. You still pay income tax on taxable income, capital expenditure is treated as it always has been, and capital gains rules are unaffected. Capital gains tax from property transactions is outside the scope of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and must be reported separately to HMRC within the required timeframe. Landlords with an annual turnover below the Making Tax Digital threshold can apply a three-line accounts approach. Corporation tax only applies where properties are held in a company, not to individual landlords, and limited company landlords are not affected by Making Tax Digital and will continue to pay corporation tax.

The tax year structure remains unchanged, and tax is still paid in line with existing deadlines.

Software considerations for property owners

Choosing the right software is a practical decision, not a technical one.

Some landlords may already use property management software or spreadsheets to track rental income and expenses. These can continue to be used, provided they connect to HMRC using compatible software for small businesses, sole traders, and landlords and maintain digital links.

Others may prefer income tax compatible software that brings record keeping, quarterly updates, and final declarations into one place. The right solution depends on how complex your property business is, whether you have more than one property, and how you currently manage your tax affairs.

The key requirement is that any tools used are MTD compatible and capable of maintaining digital records and submitting quarterly updates. Using MTD-compatible software simplifies the process of tracking income and expenses for your property business and helps you accurately report your total gross income. You should also make sure your software is compatible with the system, so you are ready. Landlords who work with accountants may benefit from practices that use an integrated MTD hub for managing clients’ digital tax obligations. Landlords should consider signing up for MTD early to handle Making Tax Digital requirements and become familiar with the digital system before it becomes mandatory.

Planning ahead as a landlord

Even if Making Tax Digital does not apply to you immediately, it is clearly part of the government’s plan for the wider UK tax system, so exploring MTD-compatible accounting software ahead of time can make the transition smoother.

Landlords who begin keeping digital records early, separate rental income from other income, and review their software options are better placed to adapt smoothly when tax digital requirements apply. Before you pay tax under the new system, you will need to sign up for MTD on the HMRC website and complete the relevant registration. Only income you receive from property letting counts towards the MTD threshold; income from selling or disposing of a property (capital gains) does not count towards the income threshold for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax purposes.

The question is not just whether your gross income exceeds the threshold today, but whether your rental business is prepared for digital reporting in the future.

Making MTD simpler for landlords

Capium’s MTD compatible software supports landlords with digital record keeping, quarterly updates, and final declarations – helping property owners stay compliant with tax digital requirements while keeping control of their rental business.

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Making Tax Digital (MTD) has been talked about for so long that it’s easy to forget what it’s actually for. Beyond the deadlines, pilot schemes and penalty point headlines, HMRC is trying to change how the UK tax system works at a fundamental level.

This guide offers a just

How sole traders can prepare for MTD without making things more complicated

Making Tax Digital can sound like a major shake-up – especially for sole traders who’ve spent years managing their tax affairs in a way that works for them. Spreadsheets, paper records, a once-a-year self assessment tax return… if it isn’t broken, why fix it?

The good news is that preparing for MTD for income tax doesn’t have to mean reinventing your entire tax process. With a few considered steps, sole traders can get ready for tax digital reporting without adding unnecessary complexity.

Start by understanding what MTD actually changes

Making Tax Digital isn’t about paying more income tax or changing how taxable income is calculated. It’s about how income and tax expenses are recorded and reported within the UK tax system. Making Tax Digital is part of the UK government’s initiative to modernize the tax system and reduce errors in tax reporting.

For sole traders with qualifying income from business income or property income – including rental income – MTD introduces digital record keeping and quarterly reporting. MTD for Income Tax will become mandatory for sole traders with a gross income (total income before expenses) over £50,000 starting from April 2026. Qualifying income refers to gross income from self employment and property, which determines if you need to comply with MTD. Instead of relying solely on one annual self assessment return, income tax information is built up digitally across the tax year and confirmed in a final declaration. MTD for Income Tax means moving from the traditional Self Assessment return to a digital tax system, where digital for income tax reporting replaces the yearly self assessment return. Making Tax Digital will fundamentally change how sole traders record and report their tax information, shifting from paper or manual processes to digital tax reporting.

Understanding that distinction early helps avoid over-preparing or adopting tools you don’t actually need yet.

Move towards digital records at your own pace

One of the most practical ways to prepare is to start keeping digital records, even before MTD applies to you. Creating digital records of business transactions using digital tools, such as cloud-based platforms for small businesses and sole traders, cloud accounting software or OCR technology, is essential for compliance and can simplify your workflow.

That doesn’t mean abandoning everything overnight. Many small business owners begin by gradually moving away from paper accounting records and towards digital accounting. Automating data entry with digital tools can significantly reduce the workload involved in bookkeeping under MTD. This could be as simple as storing sales receipts digitally, maintaining electronic records of income and tax expenses, and keeping bank statements organised in one place. By keeping digital records throughout the year, sole traders can gain a clearer view of their business finances and improve tax planning.

If you currently accept cash payments, recording those digitally at the point of sale can make a big difference later. The aim is accurate digital accounting records that reflect taxable income sources clearly, not perfection from day one. If you use spreadsheets for your existing records, you can continue to do so, but to comply with MTD, these must be linked to bridging software for digital submission to HMRC. Routine weekly reconciliations of bank transactions can also prevent the buildup of a backlog at the end of each quarter.

Separate business and personal finances

If there’s one change that consistently makes MTD preparation easier, it’s separating business finances from personal ones.

Using a separate business bank account – rather than a personal bank account – makes income tax recording far simpler. Business income, tax expenses, and associated costs are easier to track, and bank statements become a reliable source of financial data rather than something that needs heavy explanation at year end. Using digital tools alongside a dedicated business bank account can further simplify bookkeeping and help prevent mixing personal and business transactions.

For landlords, the same applies to landlord financial records. Keeping property income and expenses clearly separated reduces friction when quarterly updates and final tax calculations come into play.

Choose software that supports how you work

This is often where things feel more complicated than they need to be.

It is important to choose MTD-compatible software that meets government standards and supports Making Tax Digital compliance, as this is a legal obligation for sole traders. Sole traders must use MTD-compatible software to manage their digital records and submit their tax information.

Some sole traders assume MTD means immediately adopting full accounting software. In reality, preparation can start with tools that match your current setup, such as flexible Making Tax Digital software solutions that support both spreadsheets and full cloud bookkeeping.

If you already use spreadsheets to track income and expenses, bridging software may be enough initially – as long as it connects your records to HMRC using MTD-compatible software and maintains digital links. You must use MTD-compatible software to keep digital records and submit tax information online. There are both free and paid software options available for Making Tax Digital compliance, and the GOV.UK website lists all currently available MTD-compatible software.

Others may find that an accounting software solution provides more clarity. Software providers offer a range of MTD software solutions, and spending money on the right software can help automate tax calculations and reduce administrative burdens. The right accounting software can help calculate taxable income digitally, estimate how much tax is due, and provide an updated tax bill estimate throughout the tax year.

The key is choosing MTD compliant software that supports income tax requirements without forcing you into a system that feels too heavy for your business. Dedicated MTD for Income Tax software can simplify quarterly submissions, while broader MTD-compatible accounting software helps you manage VAT and income tax in one place. Sole traders should start preparing for MTD now by checking their income levels, reviewing their bookkeeping practices, and choosing compatible software.

Get comfortable with quarterly updates – without overthinking them

Quarterly reporting deadlines are often the biggest concern for sole traders. Under MTD rules, sole traders must keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC. Submitting quarterly updates sounds like four extra tax returns, but that isn’t the case.

MTD requires sole traders to submit four quarterly updates and a final year-end declaration each tax year, replacing the single yearly tax return. The first quarterly update is due by the 7th day of the month following the end of the quarter. Quarterly updates are summaries of business income and tax expenses. They don’t include other taxable income, personal allowances, or adjustments. They also don’t generate a final tax bill.

It’s important to note that tax payment deadlines remain unchanged under MTD. Sole traders will still pay their tax bill once a year, even though reporting is now more frequent. However, if you are VAT registered, you also need to comply with MTD for VAT software requirements for your VAT submissions. Failing to submit quarterly updates on time can result in penalty points, and accumulating too many points may lead to fines.

Getting comfortable with the idea of submitting quarterly updates – even as a dry run – can help demystify the process. Using MTD-compatible software can automate tax calculation and help ensure timely submissions. Over time, it also makes the final declaration easier, as fewer adjustments are left until the end of the tax year.

Keep the bigger picture in mind

MTD is part of a broader effort to reduce the tax gap and modernise the tax system. It aims to improve accuracy in tax reporting and reduce errors by requiring regular updates to HMRC. For sole traders and self employed people, MTD encourages better financial habits by promoting regular tracking of income and expenses. The long-term benefit is clearer visibility of income tax throughout the year, rather than a single calculation after the self assessment tax return is submitted.

Preparing gradually helps avoid last-minute changes and keeps your tax affairs manageable. Voluntary adoption of MTD tools 6–12 months before the mandatory start date can help businesses test automation and resolve issues early. Participating in HMRC’s public beta for MTD allows businesses to test their software with reduced penalties for late submissions during the first year. It also gives you time to find the right accounting software expert or MTD hub for accountants if you need additional support. You can explore dedicated Making Tax Digital resources and guides to stay up to date with rule changes and best practice. You can also choose to have an accountant manage your MTD submissions on your behalf.

Navigating making tax digital with confidence

Preparing for Making Tax Digital doesn’t need to add pressure or administrative burden. Small, sensible changes – keeping digital records, separating business finances, and choosing the right accounting software solution – can make the transition far smoother.

Capium’s MTD compatible accounting software is designed to support sole traders through every stage of the tax process. From accurate digital record keeping and quarterly reporting to final declarations and income tax compliance, Capium helps simplify tax digital for income without overcomplicating how you run your business.

simple summary of Making Tax Digital explained – what HMRC is trying to achieve and why it matters for accountants, tax agents and the small businesses you support.

What is Making Tax Digital?

At its core, Making Tax Digital (often shortened to MTD) is HMRC’s plan to move the tax system away from paper records and manual processes, towards a fully digital system.

Under the new rules, businesses and individuals with qualifying income will need to:

• Create digital records of income and expenses, ensuring each transaction’s value, date, and HMRC category of allowable expenses are recorded to meet MTD obligations
• Use MTD compatible software that is HMRC-recognised and fit for purpose or tax digital software that is commercially available and HMRC-approved
• Submit quarterly digital updates to HMRC using MTD compliant software, replacing the traditional annual tax return or self assessment tax return for those above the MTD threshold
• Complete a period statement and a final declaration at the end of the tax year

Quarterly digital updates are now a core requirement, meaning that instead of submitting an annual tax return or self assessment tax return, those above the relevant threshold must report income and expenses every quarter and make a final declaration at year end.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a new approach designed to help customers avoid errors and make submitting tax returns easier. From 6 April 2026, MTD for Income Tax will apply to anyone with qualifying income above £50,000 per year from self-employment or property. Qualifying income includes gross income before expenses from all relevant sources, such as sole trader and property activities. The relevant threshold is based on your total annual income from self-employment and property combined. Landlords and self-employed individuals with qualifying income above £50,000 must comply with Making Tax Digital from 6 April 2026.

MTD obligations require you to keep digital records that show the value and date of each transaction and specify the HMRC category of allowable expenses. Under MTD, quarterly digital updates must be submitted to HMRC using MTD compliant software, and annual self assessment tax returns will be replaced by quarterly reporting and a final declaration. You must use commercially available, HMRC-approved MTD compliant software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

MTD already applies to VAT registered businesses above the VAT threshold, with MTD for VAT software used to submit VAT returns via compatible software using digital links. The next major phase is tax digital for income tax – referred to as MTD for Income Tax or MTD ITSA.

What HMRC is trying to achieve

HMRC’s stated aim is simple enough – fewer mistakes, better visibility and a smaller tax gap. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is aiming to improve the accuracy and timeliness of tax information through MTD obligations, requiring taxpayers to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates for self-employment and property income.

The aim of Making Tax Digital is to spread the workload across the year and reduce the pressure of the end-of-year tax deadline.

Better visibility means that more timely tax information helps HMRC issue accurate tax bills and monitor compliance, including late payment penalties for non-compliance. The reality is more nuanced.

The number of individuals affected by Making Tax Digital is expected to rise to almost 3 million by spring 2028 as lower-income individuals are brought into the system, so accountants need to track key MTD for Income Tax dates and deadlines carefully.

1. Reducing errors through digital record keeping

HMRC estimates that billions are lost each year through avoidable errors rather than deliberate evasion. Paper records, manual rekeying and spreadsheet workarounds all increase risk.

By requiring businesses to keep electronic records and use digital record keeping software, HMRC believes fewer mistakes will be made when figures flow directly from source data to tax returns. Using a dedicated bank account for business income and expenses can further simplify record-keeping and help meet Making Tax Digital requirements.

This is why digital links matter, and why bridging software is only seen as a transitional solution rather than the end goal.

2. Getting more timely data

Under Income Tax Self Assessment, HMRC often waits until well after the accounting period ends to see what’s happening. Quarterly submissions change that.

By requiring businesses to submit quarterly digital updates of business income and expenses, HMRC gains earlier insight into income sources, property income, self employment profits and income streams that are reported separately, such as the Construction Industry Scheme. These quarterly digital updates must be submitted just over one month after each quarter ends, with the first quarter ending on 5 July 2026 due by 7 August 2026. To meet these deadlines, you must use MTD-compliant software for timely submissions. Logging receipts and invoices regularly will simplify the process of sending quarterly updates to HMRC and help ensure compliance.

This doesn’t mean quarterly updates are tax bills – accounting adjustments, tax reliefs and final tax calculations still happen at year end. But HMRC gets a clearer picture of the economy in real time.

3. Modernising tax administration

MTD is also about long-term tax administration. HMRC wants a new system that is scalable, digital by default and easier to integrate with software providers, supported by MTD-compatible accounting software that streamlines digital compliance. Reliable internet access is important for using cloud-based MTD software, and you should ensure your chosen software is compatible with your device.

The end vision is a digital system where taxpayers can view income, expenses, tax records, penalties and liabilities in one place, and where tax agents can manage client tax affairs more efficiently. You can manually create digital records for transactions from unlinked accounts or cash payments.

Who Making Tax Digital affects next

The upcoming changes that matter most to accountants are tied to MTD for Income Tax, but they sit within the wider context of Making Tax Digital and HMRC’s digitalisation programme.

From the start date, individuals and businesses with gross income over the qualifying income threshold from self employment and/or property income will need to comply. This includes:

• Sole traders
• Landlords with property income
• Small businesses previously outside digital reporting
• Some individuals with multiple income sources

The MTD threshold (also referred to as the relevant threshold) is £50,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes gross income from self-employment, property business, and rental income from UK property. This means self employed individuals, sole traders and landlords, and those with employment income above the threshold are legally required to comply, and many will benefit from MTD for business tools that simplify record keeping and collaboration with accountants. Only income from salary, dividends, or specific allowances may be exempt, and limited companies are not currently required to comply. Some groups are automatically exempt, such as those without a national insurance number, certain disabled individuals, and those with care relief.

HMRC will check the gross income as declared on your Self-Assessment tax return to determine if and when you must join Making Tax Digital. If your gross rental income is above £50,000, you must comply from 6 April 2026 unless you qualify for an exemption. You can apply to HMRC for an exemption if it is not reasonably practical for you to use digital tools.

You should start preparing for Making Tax Digital by familiarizing yourself with the new system and signing up for the testing programme if possible.

Corporation tax is not yet within scope, but HMRC has made clear that MTD will eventually extend further across the tax system, building on the latest developments and pilot phases of Making Tax Digital.

What actually changes under MTD for Income Tax

For affected taxpayers, the biggest shift is behavioural rather than technical.

• Record keeping becomes continuous, not annual
• Digital tools replace paper records and spreadsheets
• Quarterly updates replace one annual submission
• Final declarations replace traditional self assessment.

You must use MTD-compliant software to submit quarterly updates and the final declaration to HMRC. Bridging software can be used to link a simple spreadsheet that details all your transactions directly to HMRC. Many software providers offer free trials, so you can test a few options before committing. Premium MTD-compliant software typically costs about £5 to £8 per month. Even with quarterly updates, you will still need to submit a final tax return by 31 January after the end of the tax year.

Instead of one income tax self assessment return, businesses submit:

1. Quarterly submissions (income and expenses send to HMRC). HMRC uses the information from these quarterly updates and the final declaration to calculate your tax bill.
2. A period statement confirming totals
3. A final declaration confirming all income, reliefs and adjustments.

Late submission penalties and penalty points apply for missed deadlines, reinforcing HMRC’s push for regular compliance.

Why this matters to accountants

MTD isn’t just a compliance exercise – it reshapes how accountants add value and creates new opportunities described in more detail in what Making Tax Digital may mean for accountants.

Better conversations, earlier

With digital records updated quarterly, accountants can spot issues earlier – cashflow pressures, rising tax bills or missing expenses. That enables proactive advice rather than retrospective fixes.

Software becomes strategic

Choosing software is no longer just about accounts production. Record keeping software, MTD software and accounting software now sit at the centre of the client relationship, so many practices are weighing up why Capium’s MTD software is a smart choice for accountants.

Clients need guidance on software choices, whether that’s full accounting software, own MTD compatible software or transitional bridging software during the testing phase.

This is where platforms like Capium’s Making Tax Digital software fit naturally into the conversation.

Less admin, more advisory (eventually)

While the transition creates short-term workload, HMRC’s goal is fewer year-end corrections, fewer errors and smoother workflows over time.

For firms willing to lean into digital tools and quarterly reporting, there’s a genuine opportunity to move away from pure compliance.

Where we are now

MTD for VAT is live. MTD for Income Tax has been through a pilot scheme, extended testing phase and multiple deadline changes. HMRC is still onboarding software providers and refining guidance.

That uncertainty has caused understandable fatigue – but the direction of travel is clear.

Making Tax Digital is not going away. The UK tax system is becoming digital by default, and accountants sit at the centre of that change.

The bottom line

Making Tax Digital explained simply: HMRC wants better data, fewer mistakes and a modern digital tax system. To get there, it’s reshaping how income, expenses and tax records are kept and reported.

For accountants, the challenge is helping clients navigate new rules, new software and new habits – without drowning them in jargon.

The opportunity is becoming the trusted guide through that change, backed by software that actually supports the way you and your clients work.

If you want to explore how the right digital system can support MTD compliance without adding friction, Capium’s MTD software is designed for just that – and we’re ready to help, with additional options covered in our overview of Capium’s MTD software for VAT, ITSA and corporation tax.

The post How sole traders can prepare for MTD without making things more complicated appeared first on capium.

Making Tax Digital has already changed how VAT works. Now, income tax is moving in the same direction – which leaves many sole traders asking a simple but important question: do the rules actually apply to me?

Under the current rules, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax will affect sole traders and landlords whose total gross income from self-employment and property business (including gross rental income) exceeds certain thresholds, making it essential to understand the new MTD for Income Tax software and quarterly submission requirements. The requirements will be introduced in three phases based on total gross income. The start date for mandatory compliance is 6 April 2026 for those with annual gross income above £50,000 from self-employment and property letting. From April 2027, the threshold lowers to £30,000, and from April 2028, it will be £20,000. Those with annual gross income of £20,000 or less from self-employment and property letting are not required to comply with Making Tax Digital.

So, what does making tax digital mean for sole traders, and how will it affect the way you manage your tax affairs?

What Making Tax Digital means in practice

Making Tax Digital is a UK government initiative designed to modernise the tax system. In practical terms, that means moving away from paper records and manual submissions towards digital records, digital tools, and direct interaction with HMRC systems.

For sole traders, this represents a gradual shift away from the current self assessment system. The existing self assessment system remains in place for those below the threshold until they are required to transition to Making Tax Digital. Instead of relying solely on one annual tax return at the end of the tax year, income and expenses are recorded digitally throughout the year and shared with HMRC on a more regular basis.

That doesn’t mean income tax rules are changing overnight – but it does change how financial data is collected, stored, and submitted. Under the new digital record keeping requirements, businesses must use HMRC-recognised MTD-compatible software for VAT and Income Tax to maintain digital records of income and expenses.

The digital tax return will be submitted electronically through compatible software, replacing the traditional paper-based process.

Does MTD for income tax apply to all sole traders?

No – and this is where much of the confusion comes from.

Making Tax Digital for income tax is based on qualifying income, not simply on being self employed. HMRC looks at total qualifying income from self employment and property income, specifically measuring business income and property income before the deduction of expenses. This means the taxable income relevant for MTD thresholds is calculated as gross income, not profit.

That distinction matters. A sole trader with PAYE income and a small side business may fall outside the rules, while someone with rental income alone may fall within scope.

Income taxed at source, such as PAYE income, savings interest, or bank interest, does not count towards qualifying income. What matters is trading and property income combined.

How income tax reporting changes under MTD

For sole traders who are within scope, the biggest shift is how income tax information is reported during the tax year.

Digital record keeping requirements mean you must maintain business records digitally, including the amount, category, and date of income and allowable expenses, using MTD-compatible software. Individuals must keep digital records of income and expenses relating to their businesses and rental properties.

Quarterly updates must then be submitted digitally to HMRC using MTD-compatible accounting software. These updates are cumulative and submitted on a year-to-date basis, replacing earlier totals and including any corrections to previous updates. Quarterly updates do not require accounting adjustments or tax calculations; they simply report total income and allowable expenses for the quarter. The first quarterly update must be submitted by the 7th of the month following the quarter-end, and taxpayers can choose to make a ‘calendar quarters election’ to align their quarterly updates with their accounting periods.

At the end of the tax year, after submitting the final quarterly update, a period statement confirms the totals, followed by the MTD tax return. The MTD tax return is pre-populated with data from the quarterly updates and must be filed by 31 January following the end of the tax year. It allows sole traders (or their accountants) to apply accounting adjustments, declare capital expenditure, and include other income such as savings interest. It is essential to ensure your digital records are accurate and complete to avoid penalties.

So while the structure changes, the entire process still results in a complete annual view of your tax affairs.

What doesn’t change under making tax digital

Despite the shift to digital reporting, some things remain the same.

Income tax rules themselves do not change. Sole traders still pay income tax and National Insurance based on profits, personal allowances still apply, and the tax year continues to run in the same way. Corporation tax remains irrelevant for sole traders, and tax is still paid in line with existing deadlines. While the reporting process changes under Making Tax Digital, you are still legally required to pay tax by the usual due dates.

In other words, Making Tax Digital changes the process – not the principles behind paying income tax. In certain circumstances, such as if you are digitally excluded or meet exemption criteria, you can still submit a paper tax return instead of filing digitally.

Are there exemptions for sole traders?

Yes, and they’re an important part of the picture.

Your individual circumstances may qualify you for exemption from Making Tax Digital for sole traders. For example, if you are digitally excluded, lack a National Insurance number on 31 January, or have specific personal situations, you may be exempt. If you complete a paper tax return because you are digitally excluded, you can apply to HMRC for an exemption. Exemptions granted for MTD for VAT due to digital exclusion should be automatically carried over to any MTD for Income Tax requirements. You are also automatically excluded from MTD if your gross income is below the relevant thresholds.

Certain groups are exempt from MTD until a later date, including individuals required to submit residence or remittance basis tax return pages (not brought into MTD until April 2027), ministers of religion, Lloyd’s underwriters, and recipients of Married Couples’ Allowance or Blind Persons’ Allowance, who will not have to join MTD until after the current parliamentary term.

Exemptions are not always permanent, though. As new MTD rules are introduced and thresholds change, it’s worth reviewing your position regularly rather than assuming the rules will never apply. For more details on exemption criteria and processes, refer to further guidance from HMRC.

Choosing the right software as a sole trader

Once digital record keeping becomes a requirement, the choice of software matters. It is important to choose a software provider that offers MTD for Income Tax-ready solutions, as this ensures your system remains compliant. If your current provider does not support these requirements, you may need to update your software or switch to a new provider to maintain compliance and efficiency.

Some sole traders continue to use spreadsheet data alongside bridging software, while others choose cloud-based MTD software for businesses, sole traders, and landlords. This can work, provided digital links are maintained and records are kept accurately.

For others, full accounting software offers a clearer route. It supports digital record keeping from the outset, simplifies quarterly updates, and provides better visibility over cash flow and potential tax bills. It can also reduce the administrative burden that often comes with managing tax manually.

The right choice depends on how you work today – and how much you want to future-proof your tax affairs.

Why thinking ahead matters

Even if Making Tax Digital for income tax does not apply to you yet, it might do in the future.

If your income is below the trading allowance, you may not need to keep detailed records or use Making Tax Digital. Sole traders whose gross income is below the MTD threshold will continue using the existing Self Assessment system until they are required to use Making Tax Digital, and must register for MTD themselves when the time comes. Some groups, such as partnerships, will be required to use Making Tax Digital at a later date.

The self assessment system is evolving, and digital reporting is becoming the default. Small business owners and self employed individuals who understand the direction of travel now are better placed to adapt smoothly later.

The question is no longer just do the rules apply to you today? It’s whether your current record keeping will still work as the assessment system continues to change.

Making MTD simpler for sole traders

Capium’s MTD compatible software is designed to support sole traders at every stage – from keeping digital records and managing quarterly updates to submitting final declarations through HMRC’s application programming interface, as well as offering HMRC-recognised MTD for VAT software for compliant VAT submissions. It is also suitable for property owners and those running their own business, ensuring compliance for a wide range of users.

Whether you’re already within scope or planning ahead, Capium helps self employed individuals stay compliant, organised, and ready for what comes next.

Explore how Capium can support Making Tax Digital for sole traders. For further details, including MTD tools for accountants to manage client VAT and Income Tax obligations, as well as wider compliance support such as AML software and checks for accounting firms and additional AML resources and training services, visit the Capium website.

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Making Tax Digital for VAT is no longer a future requirement – it’s the default. For VAT registered businesses, failing to comply with MTD for VAT doesn’t usually lead to dramatic consequences overnight, but it does create a steady build-up of risk, penalties and admin that can quickly become expensive and distracting. Over 1.8 million businesses are benefitting from MTD, with more than 19 million tax returns filed through the service already.

Here’s what actually happens if a business doesn’t meet its MTD obligations – and how most issues arise in practice. If businesses are finding it difficult to switch to Making Tax Digital, there is plenty of support on the government website to help with the transition to digital VAT returns.

The Help to Grow: Digital scheme offers up to 50 percent off the price of compatible digital accounting software for businesses facing financial difficulties.

What HMRC expects under MTD for VAT

Under Making Tax Digital, VAT registered businesses must:

• Keep records digitally in an electronic account using MTD compatible software
• Use MTD compatible software or functional compatible software
• File VAT returns digitally via an application programming interface (API)
• Maintain digital links between business records and submissions

Using an electronic account within MTD-compatible accounting software ensures VAT records are securely stored and facilitates online filing.

This applies regardless of turnover once a business is VAT registered – the VAT registration threshold determines registration, not MTD compliance.

Using paper records, re-typing figures into a VAT online account, or filing annual VAT returns manually all fall outside MTD regulations. Businesses that do not keep digital records can be charged daily penalties ranging from £5 to £15 until compliance is achieved.

Digital links are essential for transferring data between systems. Transferring data manually, rather than using digital links, can result in daily penalties. Using checking functions within accounting software helps catch errors before filing VAT returns, reducing the risk of penalties.

The most common ways businesses fall out of compliance

Most MTD compliance failures aren’t deliberate. They usually happen when a business hasn’t moved onto Making Tax Digital for businesses software or when it:

• Uses non-compliant accounting software or spreadsheets without bridging software
• Breaks digital links by manually re-entering figures
• Submits a VAT return late because systems aren’t joined up
• Misses quarterly submissions, annual submissions, or quarterly updates required by HMRC
• Fails to meet the VAT return deadline for a VAT period
• Keeps business records outside a digital accounting system
• Assumes filing and payment are the same thing.

Late filing of VAT returns for a VAT period or missing the VAT return deadline can result in penalties. Regularly checking each update before submission helps catch small errors and avoid penalties.

Even where tax remains unpaid or no VAT is due, the obligation to submit VAT returns on time still applies.

The points-based penalty system explained

MTD for VAT operates under HMRC’s points based penalty system, also known as the points system, which tracks late submissions and enforces penalties, making it crucial to use robust Making Tax Digital (MTD) software and guidance to stay organised. Each late VAT return earns one penalty point. For quarterly submissions, one point is added for each late filing, and reaching four points triggers a £200 fine. Monthly filers accumulate 5 points, quarterly filers 4 points, and annual filers 2 points before fines are incurred. Penalty points for late submissions stay on a business’s record for two years. When a business reaches its penalty threshold, HMRC charges a fixed £200 penalty for each additional late submission while at the threshold. HMRC can charge a maximum penalty of up to £3,000 per quarter for non-compliance with MTD requirements.

New penalties for late payment and late submission of VAT returns were introduced from January 2023, replacing the previous surcharge regime. Penalties for late payment and interest on unpaid VAT are charged from the day the payment becomes overdue, and if a VAT payment is more than 15 days overdue, first and second late payment penalties apply. VAT late submission penalties and MTD for VAT penalties are enforced through this system, and HMRC will charge penalties for late filings and late payments accordingly. The final declaration is the last submission required at the end of the tax year, consolidating all income and expenditure reports.

It’s also important to note that penalty points don’t disappear immediately. A business must submit VAT returns on time for a set compliance period before points are reset.

Late payment penalties and interest

Late submission penalties are separate from late payment penalties, and similar digital rules will apply under MTD for Income Tax software. If VAT remains unpaid after the filing deadline:

• Interest accrues from the due date if you pay late
• Penalties for late payment may apply
• HMRC may request a payment plan or pay agreement

Penalties for late payment can apply if VAT owed is not paid on time. If a business files a return that contains errors, HMRC may charge a penalty of up to 100 percent of the VAT owed. HMRC offers a Time to Pay service, allowing businesses to set up a payment schedule to pay off their debt in instalments over 12 months without receiving further penalties. Contacting HMRC early if you are unable to pay on time provides more options to avoid penalties.

This can affect cash flow quickly, especially for small businesses or sole traders managing tight margins.

What happens if issues continue

Ongoing non-compliance with Making Tax Digital penalties can lead to more work and risk for accountants as well as their clients, which is why many firms now use dedicated Making Tax Digital for accountants tools. Ongoing non-compliance with Making Tax Digital penalties can lead to:

• Escalating fines under the new penalty system
• Increased scrutiny of tax affairs
• Restrictions within the VAT online account
• More time spent resolving HMRC queries.

In extreme cases – such as insolvency procedures or persistent failure – HMRC may intervene more directly.

Reasonable excuse and exemptions

HMRC does recognise limited reasonable excuse and exemption criteria. These may apply where it’s not reasonably practicable to use digital tools due to age, disability, location or other genuine barriers.

Exemptions aren’t automatic, though. They must be requested and approved, and most VAT registered businesses are expected to comply.

Why compliance is usually simpler than businesses expect

For most businesses, avoiding MTD penalties comes down to systems rather than effort. Using the right MTD-compliant accounting software, maintaining digital record keeping, and submitting VAT returns through MTD compliant software dramatically reduces the risk of:

• Late submission
• Broken digital links
• Manual errors
• Missed payment dates.

Timely and accurate digital record-keeping is essential to avoid penalties, not just for VAT but also for income tax returns under Making Tax Digital (MTD). Using checking functions within specialised MTD for VAT software helps avoid penalties by catching errors before submission. Making tax digital mtd compliance is supported by using compatible software and regular checks.

It also makes it easier to spot issues early and reduce errors, before they become costly.

MTD for VAT is often the first step into digital tax compliance. Many businesses affected by MTD for income tax or corporation tax later already have the foundations in place if VAT reporting is handled properly. Good digital records today reduce friction across future tax years, and firms can draw on dedicated Making Tax Digital resources and guides to keep up with evolving rules.

Staying compliant with MTD for VAT

Failing to comply with MTD for VAT doesn’t necessarily cause instant problems – but over time it increases penalties, admin and stress. Failing to comply with MTD for VAT can result in daily penalties being issued by HMRC until compliance is achieved. The good news is that most compliance issues are preventable with the right tools and processes. MTD for VAT penalties can be avoided by keeping digital records and filing VAT returns on time.

If you want to reduce risk and avoid fines, Capium’s MTD-ready VAT software helps businesses keep digital VAT records, submit VAT returns directly to HMRC, and stay fully compliant with MTD requirements – without overcomplicating everyday accounting, especially when paired with structured tools like a free MTD readiness checklist.

The post What happens if a business doesn’t comply with MTD for VAT appeared first on capium.

Making Tax Digital for VAT is now business as usual for most VAT registered businesses – but questions still come up around thresholds, submission rules and what actually triggers penalties. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT is mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses as of April 2022. For accountants, this is often where confidence (or confusion) sets the tone of client conversations.

This is a clear, practical explanation of the MTD VAT rules as they stand, grounded in HMRC guidance and focused on what matters in day-to-day compliance. The VAT registration threshold is currently £90,000, and businesses with a taxable turnover above this certain threshold must comply with MTD for VAT.

When MTD for VAT applies

MTD for VAT is mandatory for all VAT registered businesses, regardless of size or turnover. This is where many clients still get caught out.

Originally, MTD only applied to businesses above the VAT registration threshold. That’s no longer the case. Today, if a business is VAT registered – whether because it exceeded the VAT threshold or registered voluntarily – it must comply with MTD VAT rules.

This applies to:

• Limited companies
• Sole traders
• Partnerships
• Small businesses registered below the VAT threshold.

Businesses with turnover below £90,000 that are voluntarily registered for VAT must also comply with MTD rules. In addition, businesses with a taxable turnover below the VAT threshold can sign up for MTD for VAT voluntarily. HMRC encourages these businesses to join MTD and sign up voluntarily so they can benefit from improved record-keeping and streamlined processes.

Once registered, MTD applies immediately. There’s no grace period and no option to delay because a business is “small”.

What the VAT threshold still matters for

The VAT registration threshold still determines whether a business must register for VAT in the first place. It does not determine whether MTD applies after registration.

This distinction is worth reinforcing with clients. Many still assume that MTD only applies once taxable turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold, when in fact the act of VAT registration is what triggers MTD compliance.

If a business expects its taxable turnover for the next 12 months to be less than £88,000, it can apply to have its VAT registration cancelled. Additionally, businesses seeking to be exempt from MTD requirements must apply directly to HMRC, and exemptions are only granted in specific circumstances.

Digital record keeping – what HMRC expects

Under Making Tax Digital rules, VAT businesses must keep digital VAT records. This includes:

• Sales and purchase figures
• Input VAT and output VAT
• VAT return totals
• Details of the VAT accounting scheme used
• The time of supply, the value of the supply, and the rate of VAT charged for each supply
• Records of expenses relevant to VAT calculations

Records must be stored digitally for at least six years.

If you use spreadsheets to keep business records, you will need MTD for VAT software, such as bridging software, to send your VAT returns to HMRC. All VAT-registered businesses must use MTD-compatible software to comply with MTD for VAT rules. Making Tax Digital (MTD) software can include full accounting programs or bridging software, and must maintain clear digital links between systems if multiple tools are used. Your digital records should be linked to your VAT account, which is central to managing submissions and ensuring compliance. Businesses should check with their software provider to ensure their software is MTD-compatible before the deadline. Good software will also provide support for digital record keeping, tracking expenses, and seamless data exchange with HMRC.

The data must be stored digitally and transferred using digital links. Figures must not be physically re-typed between systems – whether that’s from a spreadsheet into software, or from software into HMRC.

HMRC expects VAT return information to flow digitally from business records to submission via an application programming interface (API).

Submitting VAT returns under MTD

All VAT-registered businesses must keep digital records and file their VAT returns through MTD-compatible software. You must keep digital VAT business records and send returns using MTD-compatible software if your taxable turnover is above the VAT registration threshold.

VAT returns must be submitted using MTD compatible software. The HMRC portal can no longer be used for manual submissions. You need to keep your business records digitally from the start of your accounting period to prepare for MTD for VAT.

This can be done through:

• A full accounting software package
• A spreadsheet with compliant bridging software.

Both approaches are valid, provided digital links are maintained throughout the process. When you complete your VAT return, you must file it electronically and submit it to HMRC by the deadline. After you submit your return, you may need to wait for confirmation from HMRC that your submission has been received. VAT return periods, deadlines and payment dates remain unchanged. MTD changes the submission method – not the reporting timetable.

Penalties and non-compliance

MTD VAT uses HMRC’s points-based penalty system for late submissions: which means each tax return late earns penalty points. For quarterly VAT submissions, the penalty for late submission is £200, and accountants must also ensure their wider regulatory obligations, such as anti-money laundering compliance processes, are robust to avoid compounding risk. Once you reach a certain threshold of penalty points, you pay a penalty fee. Points expire after 24 months if you have submitted all outstanding returns for the previous 24 months and completed a period of compliance without further issues.

Penalties can apply even when:

• No VAT is owed
• A return is submitted but late, missing the deadline date
• Payment is made on time but submission is missed

If you receive a penalty notice for a tax return late or tax late, you can challenge the penalty by making an appeal if you have a reasonable excuse. Your appeal must be made in writing within 30 days of the penalty notice being issued. HMRC will only accept appeals if your reasonable excuse counts as valid throughout the period between the deadline and the date you file the return. If HMRC does not accept your appeal, you can ask for a review by an HMRC officer who has not been involved in your tax affairs before.

Late payment interest may also apply separately. Repeated non-compliance can escalate quickly, particularly for clients managing VAT manually or using non-compliant systems.

Exemptions and edge cases

There are very limited exemptions from MTD VAT. These generally apply where it is not reasonably practicable to use digital tools due to age, disability, location or insolvency procedures.

Landlords, along with sole traders, are required to comply with MTD requirements. From April 2026, sole traders and landlords with income over £50,000 must use MTD for Income Tax software for quarterly submissions, and from April 2027, the threshold drops to £30,000.

Exemptions are not automatic. They must be agreed with HMRC, and supporting evidence may be required. In most cases, VAT businesses are expected to comply.

Why MTD VAT still matters for accountants

Even though MTD VAT is established, it continues to influence:

• Software choices across client portfolios
• Record keeping standards
• Internal review processes
• Risk exposure for non-compliance.

It’s also often the first step clients take into digital tax reporting – shaping how they respond to future MTD changes for income tax and beyond, and whether they adopt fully integrated MTD-compatible accounting software across taxes. Handled well, MTD VAT becomes routine. Handled poorly, it creates repeated compliance issues and unnecessary client stress.

Supporting VAT registered businesses with Making Tax Digital

The MTD VAT rules themselves are relatively simple – but clarity around thresholds, submission methods and penalties is what keeps clients compliant and confident.

The right software and processes make all the difference.

If you’re looking to simplify VAT compliance across your client base, Capium’s MTD-ready VAT software supports digital record keeping, seamless VAT return submission and clear audit trails – helping accountants stay compliant without adding complexity, especially when combined with an MTD hub for managing all client obligations. The software also provides ongoing support for digital record keeping and ensures your practice is always ready for HMRC requirements, while tools like Capium 365 for businesses, sole traders and landlords help clients maintain compliant digital records day to day.

Refer to this page for updated information on MTD VAT rules explained thresholds and further resources, and explore dedicated Making Tax Digital resources and guides when planning client communications and internal processes.

The post MTD VAT rules explained: thresholds, deadlines and penalties appeared first on capium.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is steadily reshaping the UK tax system, and landlords are firmly in scope. If you receive property income, earn rental income from one or more properties, or share ownership with someone else, it’s important to understand how MTD for landlords works in practice.

From digital record keeping and quarterly updates to joint ownership rules and working with letting agents, there are a few areas where property owners commonly need clarity. Here’s what landlords need to know to stay compliant without unnecessary complexity.

How MTD for landlords applies to rental income

MTD for income tax applies to landlords based on qualifying income, which includes gross rental income from UK property income and foreign property income.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax requires landlords and sole traders with income over £50,000 to use HMRC-approved software for digital record-keeping and quarterly reporting from 6 April 2026.

Crucially, this is based on gross income, not profit. That means rental income before expenses such as letting agent fees, maintenance costs, or mortgage interest. If your gross property income exceeds the relevant threshold, MTD applies – even if your taxable income is much lower once expenses are deducted. The thresholds for MTD are: April 2026 at £50,000, April 2027 at £30,000, and April 2028 at £20,000.

Employment income taxed through PAYE and bank interest do not count towards qualifying income, although they are still included later in the final declaration.

From 6 April 2026, landlords must use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax software if their total annual income from self-employment and property is over £50,000. The income threshold for MTD lowers to £30,000 in April 2027.

Digital record keeping for property owners

Under Making Tax Digital, landlords must maintain digital records for tax purposes. This means keeping correct digital records of rental income and expenses throughout the tax year, rather than relying on paper records or reconstructing figures for an annual tax return.

Landlords need to record income digitally, maintain business records in a compatible MTD software solution, and store financial records electronically. Expenses such as agent fees, maintenance costs, and other allowable costs should also be recorded digitally as they arise.

Residential property finance costs, including mortgage interest, continue to be treated under existing income tax rules and are reflected through the final declaration rather than quarterly updates.

Quarterly updates and tax reporting

Landlords within scope of MTD for income tax must submit quarterly updates to HMRC using compatible software.

These quarterly updates summarise rental income and expenses for each period. They are not tax returns, they do not calculate a tax bill, and they do not replace annual tax returns entirely.

Instead, quarterly reporting feeds into the end-of-year position. After the tax year ends, landlords submit a final declaration, which replaces the traditional self assessment tax return and confirms taxable income, adjustments, and reliefs.

This shift in tax reporting is often one of the biggest adjustments for landlords used to annual income tax self assessment.

Joint ownership and property income under MTD

Joint ownership is one of the most important areas to get right under MTD.

Where a property is jointly owned, each joint owner must report their share of the rental income separately. Making Tax Digital does not change how income is split – it is still based on beneficial ownership, not who receives the rent into their bank account. The concept of beneficial joint tenants is important here, as it determines the legal and beneficial rights and responsibilities of each owner within the tenancy agreement.

This applies whether the property is owned as joint tenants or tenants in common. If property is held as joint tenants, both owners have equal rights to the property and it passes automatically to the surviving owner upon death. If property is held as tenants in common, each owner can have different shares and their share can be passed on to heirs upon death. Each owner must maintain digital records for their portion of the property income and submit quarterly updates if their qualifying income exceeds the threshold. To determine the type of joint ownership, individuals can check their title register or consult their conveyancer.

If circumstances change – for example, one owner sells their share, ownership changes at HM Land Registry, or one owner dies – reporting responsibilities may also change and records should be updated accordingly. If the joint owner breaks, such as in the event of a breakup or sale, reporting responsibilities may change, and it is recommended to consult a legal adviser and a financial adviser before making any changes.

Using letting agents and managing digital records

Many landlords use letting agents to manage rental properties, collect rent, and handle day-to-day administration. This does not change under Making Tax Digital.

However, responsibility for tax affairs remains with the landlord. Letting agents may provide rental statements and expense breakdowns, but landlords are still responsible for maintaining digital records, submitting quarterly updates, and completing the final declaration.

Some landlords use property management software alongside MTD compatible software to ensure rental income and expenses are captured digitally and transferred accurately. Others rely on accountants or tax agents using an integrated MTD hub to manage submissions on their behalf using compatible software and an agent services account.

Choosing compatible software as a landlord

MTD requires landlords to use compatible software that can maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC.

Some landlords continue to use spreadsheets with bridging software, provided digital links are maintained and records remain compliant. Others prefer MTD-compatible accounting software that combines digital record keeping, quarterly reporting, and final declarations in one system.

The right approach depends on the complexity of your rental business – whether you own more than one property, have jointly owned property, or also receive self employment income and need a simple MTD platform for small landlords.

What matters is that the software is MTD compatible and supports accurate digital records, correct reporting, and compliance with tax digital requirements, ideally alongside wider compliance and risk management tools.

What doesn’t change for landlords

Despite the move to tax digital for income, much remains familiar.

Income tax rules themselves do not change. Capital expenditure and capital gains are treated as they always have been. Corporation tax only applies where properties are held within a company, while MTD for VAT software remains relevant primarily for VAT-registered property businesses. The tax year structure remains the same, and tax is still paid in line with existing deadlines.

Making Tax Digital changes how information is submitted, not the fundamentals of how rental income is taxed.

Preparing for MTD as a landlord

Even if MTD for landlords does not apply to you immediately, preparing early can make a significant difference. Maintaining digital records, understanding how joint ownership affects tax reporting, and reviewing how agent-provided data feeds into your tax affairs all help reduce risk, especially when combined with strong compliance tools and resources. The aim is to adapt gradually, not to overhaul everything at once.

Supporting landlords with Making Tax Digital

Capium’s MTD compatible software supports landlords with digital record keeping, quarterly reporting, and final declarations. Whether you receive rental income from one property or manage a more complex rental business, Capium helps property owners meet tax digital requirements with clarity and confidence.

The post MTD for landlords explained: rental income, joint ownership and agents appeared first on capium.

If you’re a buy-to-let landlord, you’ve probably seen Making Tax Digital mentioned more and more – and wondered whether it actually applies to you. So let’s get straight to it.

Will MTD for income tax affect buy-to-let landlords?
In a nutshell, yes – if your rental income meets HMRC’s criteria. Here’s what property owners need to know.

Why buy-to-let landlords are in scope for MTD

MTD for income tax applies based on qualifying income, not business type.

For buy-to-let landlords, qualifying income includes property income, measured as gross rental income, not profit. That means rental income before expenses such as agent fees, maintenance costs, or mortgage interest. Gross income refers to the total rental and self-employment income before expenses, while total income includes all relevant income sources.

The income level for MTD is based on the individual’s total gross income from all rental and self-employment sources, including sole trade income, employment income, self employed income, self employment income, sole trader income, and other sole trader income. Other income such as PAYE salary, pensions, or dividends is not included in the MTD threshold calculation, but relevant income like rental income from lodgers is. The MTD income threshold applies to the individual’s total income, not per property or portfolio. Income from overseas properties must also be included in the MTD calculations if the landlord is domiciled in the UK.

Landlords with total gross income from rental sources exceeding £50,000 in a tax year must comply with MTD for Income Tax starting from April 2026. The threshold will drop to £30,000 in April 2027 and to £20,000 in April 2028. Landlords will need to register for MTD before the start of the tax year in which they exceed the income threshold.

If your gross rental income exceeds the MTD income threshold, MTD for income tax applies – even if your taxable income is much lower once deductions are made. This applies whether you own one rental property or multiple rental properties.

What counts towards qualifying income?

Qualifying income includes:

• UK property income
• Gross rental income from buy-to-let
• Foreign income from overseas rental properties
• Combined property income across all properties

For jointly owned properties, each landlord’s share of the income is assessed individually for Making Tax Digital (MTD) purposes. Whether a landlord owns properties outright or jointly, all relevant income is included in the calculation for MTD obligations. Properties owned through a limited company are treated differently for tax purposes, but personally owned and jointly owned properties are subject to MTD if the individual’s qualifying income exceeds the threshold. A property business, including furnished holiday lets, is considered a separate business for MTD reporting. Non-resident landlords and those with total gross income below £10,000 are currently exempt from MTD requirements until April 2027.

It does not include PAYE income, pension contributions, or bank interest – although these are still declared later through the final tax return. Joint property owners are assessed individually, based on their share of the rental income.

How income tax reporting will change

For landlords within scope, MTD changes how income tax is reported. Instead of relying solely on a self assessment tax return at the end of the tax year, landlords must:

• Maintain digital records
• Submit quarterly submissions (quarterly updates) using MTD-compatible software
• Complete a final tax return (final declaration) after the tax year ends.

Quarterly submissions are summaries of transactions and must be submitted by August 7, November 7, February 7, and May 7 each year, so many landlords are turning to dedicated MTD for Income Tax software for quarterly submissions or broader MTD for Income Tax solutions for landlords to simplify the process. The final declaration will replace the current self-assessment tax return and will include all transactions reported in the quarterly submissions. Landlords must keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC if their qualifying income exceeds the MTD thresholds. Landlords need to maintain separate digital records for property income and self-employment income. MTD-compliant software must be capable of filing the end-of-year declaration and other sources of income. Quarterly updates provide a more accurate, real-time view of tax liabilities, which may affect cash flow management for leveraged landlords. This process replaces the traditional assessment system and current self assessment system, which relied on a single annual tax return.

Does this apply to limited company landlords?

No. If your buy-to-let properties are held within a limited company, income is subject to corporation tax, not income tax, and these properties owned by the company are not within the scope of MTD for Income Tax. Many landlords choose to own properties through a limited company for tax reasons, but this changes their reporting obligations, as they must follow corporation tax and company accounts reporting instead of MTD for Income Tax.

However, individual landlords – including self employed landlords and sole traders with property income – are within scope if their total income, including both self-employment and rental income, exceeds the MTD threshold, making it important to understand wider tax tips for buy-to-let landlords when planning how to structure and manage properties.

What about jointly owned buy-to-let properties?

Joint ownership doesn’t change the rules, but it does affect reporting.

For jointly owned properties, each owner must report their share of the rental income separately for MTD compliance, and maintain digital records for their portion. This ensures that income splitting and reporting deadlines are handled correctly, and highlights the importance of understanding ownership structures for accurate compliance. This applies whether the property is owned as joint tenants or tenants in common.

If ownership changes – for example, one owner sells their share – reporting responsibilities must be updated accordingly.

Are any buy-to-let landlords exempt?

Some landlords may be automatically exempt, including those who:

• Fall below the MTD threshold
• Are digitally excluded due to limited internet access
• Meet specific automatic exemptions recognised by HM Revenue & Customs.

If a landlord’s income drops below the threshold, they must remain in the MTD system for three consecutive tax years before they can apply for exemption. The exemption is only available after three consecutive tax years of qualifying income below the threshold, as the rules require income to remain under the limit for consecutive tax years before switching back from MTD to traditional filing methods.

Furnished holiday lettings, foster carers, and landlords in the testing phase may also have different treatment, depending on circumstances.

What happens if landlords don’t comply?

Failing to meet MTD obligations can result in a financial penalty. Under the new points-based system, you will receive a penalty point for each missed quarterly submission. Accumulating enough penalty points can lead to further financial penalties for ongoing non-compliance. HMRC is introducing a new penalty regime from April 2026, where late payment penalties will be more proportionate and charged at different rates depending on when the outstanding amount is paid. Over time, repeated failures can affect your wider tax affairs.

MTD is designed to reduce the tax gap, but it also places clearer expectations on landlords to stay compliant, which is where using fully MTD-compatible accounting software can help automate submissions and reduce errors.

What software do buy-to-let landlords need?

Landlords within scope must use MTD-recognised software, like Capium. Management software can help landlords organise tenants, maintain records, and handle financial transactions, and integration with MTD-compatible software is essential. Landlords must use MTD-compatible software to submit their quarterly updates and final declaration to HMRC, and solutions such as Capium’s HMRC-recognised MTD software are designed specifically to support this. This could be accounting software or income tax compatible software that can:

• Keep digital records
• Submit quarterly updates
• Support the final declaration.

Landlords can use general accounting software but these may require customisation to be MTD-compliant, whereas platforms like Capium 365 for small businesses and landlords and other Making Tax Digital software for small businesses are built with MTD requirements in mind from the outset. Some software products specifically designed for landlords, such as Hammock, are MTD-approved, and many also include dedicated MTD for VAT software and other HMRC-recognised MTD for VAT solutions for landlords who run VAT-registered property businesses. Digital software is expected to reduce human error in tax submissions and streamline the process of managing property financials.

Spreadsheets may still be used if connected via bridging software, but digital record keeping must be maintained throughout, and many landlords rely on their accountants’ MTD management platforms to keep submissions on track, often supported by dedicated MTD software for accountants. Choosing the right MTD approved software early helps avoid rushed decisions later.

So, will MTD affect buy-to-let landlords?

If you receive rental income and your gross rental income exceeds the MTD income threshold, then yes – MTD for income tax will affect you.

It doesn’t change income tax rules, capital gains treatment, or how much tax you owe. But it does change how often information is reported and how records are kept. Preparing early makes the transition far easier.

Supporting buy-to-let landlords with MTD

Making Tax Digital doesn’t need to complicate buy-to-let ownership. With the right accounting software and clear digital records, landlords can meet MTD requirements while keeping control of their tax position, especially when they use purpose-built MTD software solutions and structured MTD readiness resources and checklists alongside wider Making Tax Digital support guides.

Capium’s MTD-compatible software supports landlords with digital record keeping, quarterly updates, and final declarations – helping buy-to-let landlords stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties.

The post Will MTD for income tax affect buy-to-let landlords? appeared first on capium.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) sounds abstract until you map it onto real clients, real income sources and real workflows.

At its core, MTD for income tax is a shift away from the annual self assessment tax return towards more frequent digital reporting. But what does that actually mean for self-employed individuals, landlords and the accountants supporting them?

Here’s how MTD ITSA plays out in practice.

Who MTD ITSA applies to – and when

MTD ITSA applies to sole traders, landlords, and limited companies, as well as VAT registered businesses that meet the relevant criteria. It will become compulsory from the date of 6 April 2026 for self-employed individuals and landlords with gross income above £50,000 from qualifying income sources. Qualifying income includes business income and UK property income, including rental income from jointly owned properties.

Individuals with qualifying income over £30,000 must comply by the date of 6 April 2027. From 6 April 2028, the threshold for compliance will lower to £20,000. Those with income under £30,000 are currently exempt from MTD ITSA, but this decision is under review. If you have more than one trade or property business, you must combine all relevant income sources to determine if you exceed the threshold.

If you are automatically exempt from MTD, you will not be able to sign up for MTD. Exemption from MTD may apply for reasons such as digital exclusion, and digitally excluded individuals can apply for exemption. If you think you are digitally excluded, the process to apply for an exemption depends on whether you are already exempt from MTD for VAT. If you believe your business should be exempt from MTD, you need to contact HMRC.

Further phases will follow with lower thresholds in later tax years, but the direction of travel is clear. This government initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise tax administration across the UK tax system.

HMRC will contact affected taxpayers in writing to confirm when income tax requirements apply. There is no bulk enrolment – each individual must complete the sign up process themselves.

From one tax return to four quarterly updates

Under income tax self assessment today, most taxpayers file one self assessment return after the end of the tax year. From April 2026, MTD for ITSA will require self-employed individuals and landlords to send quarterly updates to HMRC every three months, known as a ‘Quarter’, using MTD-compatible software. MTD ITSA replaces the annual return with:

• Quarterly updates for each income source
• A period statement at year end
• A final declaration, which replaces the traditional self assessment tax return.

You will need to submit quarterly updates every three months, and the deadlines for submitting quarterly updates are typically on the 7th of the month following each quarter-end. The deadlines for submitting quarterly updates will be the same for everyone who has to follow the MTD for Income Tax rules. Quarterly updates will not need to include tax or accounting adjustments. The requirement to submit updates every quarter leads to increased administration work, but the new system aims to provide better visibility of tax liabilities throughout the year and reduce errors. Late submission of quarterly updates or final declarations will incur penalty points and fines.

That means submitting quarterly updates throughout the tax year, followed by a final submission confirming total income, tax reliefs and the overall tax calculation.

The key difference is timing. Income is reported closer to when it’s earned, rather than being reconstructed months later.

What counts as an income source

Quarterly reporting isn’t done once per taxpayer – it’s done per income source.

In practice, that means separate quarterly submissions for:

• Sole trader or self employment income
• UK property income from a property business
• Partnership income (reported separately)

If you have more than one trade or property business, you must combine all relevant income sources to determine if you exceed the MTD threshold. A digital system is required to manage and report multiple income streams efficiently.

Employment income, bank interest and other income sources are not included in quarterly updates, but they still form part of the final declaration.

This is why early scoping matters. Accountants need a clear picture of each client’s income streams before MTD ITSA begins and should consider centralised MTD management tools for accountants to coordinate obligations efficiently.

Digital records are no longer optional

Under MTD ITSA, taxpayers must keep digital records of all business income and expenses. Paper records alone will not meet the digital for income tax requirements.

This includes:

• Recording income and expenses digitally
• Keeping electronic records throughout the accounting period
• Using MTD compatible software or approved commercial software to submit data

HMRC will not provide a free tool for submissions; individuals must use commercial software. Eligible individuals need to purchase or upgrade to user-friendly MTD software for businesses, sole traders and landlords for compliance. Most existing accounting software programs are compatible with MTD, but you should confirm with your supplier that your software will work with MTD. If your chosen software provider does not appear on HMRC’s list of MTD-compatible software, you should inquire about their plans to become compatible. You should also check that your accounting software is compatible with HMRC’s current system for submitting tax information.

Digital record keeping sits at the heart of tax digital for income. Whether clients use cloud accounting software, spreadsheets with digital links or bridging software, the requirement is the same – data must flow digitally into HMRC. Digital links between different software must be maintained, preventing manual data entry errors. Software choices are important, and you should explore available options, including spreadsheets and bridging software, to ensure compliance and efficiency.

HMRC expects everyone to take reasonable care with their digital records, and you could get a penalty if you don’t keep adequate digital records. You should consider encouraging clients who don’t already have one to sign up for a business bank account to facilitate digital record keeping. The HMRC app can also be used to access tax and benefits information, including historical income and employment records, which can help improve record-keeping practices and make it easier to manage tax information digitally in conjunction with MTD-compatible accounting software.

Quarterly updates are not tax bills

Quarterly updates are often misunderstood. They do not replace payments on account and they do not calculate a final tax bill. Instead, they provide HMRC with a running view of income and expenses during the tax year.

Taxpayers will still only pay one tax bill every year, which is due on 31 January, plus payments on account by 31 January and 31 July, if applicable. The deadline for submitting your final declaration will be the same as the current Self Assessment tax return deadline, which is 31 January following the end of the tax year. You will still need to submit tax returns digitally under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, ensuring all required information is provided to HMRC.

For VAT registered businesses, you must submit VAT returns electronically through HMRC-recognised MTD for VAT software. Failing to submit VAT returns on time can result in penalties, so it is important to meet all deadlines and compliance requirements.

The actual tax position is still finalised through the end-of-year process, including accounting adjustments, claims such as residential finance costs for property income, and reliefs declared in the final submission.

That distinction is important for managing client expectations.

Signing up, software and agents

MTD ITSA requires each taxpayer to sign up individually, even if they use an agent. There is no bulk sign-up facility, and each client must be registered for the correct tax year quarters.

It is important to start preparing for MTD ITSA as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition by April 2026. Being MTD ITSA ready will help avoid last-minute challenges and ensure compliance. The introduction of MTD for ITSA will be phased, with different income thresholds determining when individuals must comply.

Once signed up:

• Quarterly updates must be submitted via compatible software
• Agents access and manage submissions through the Agent Services Account
• Multiple agents can be involved where clients have different income sources.

Choosing the right software early reduces friction. Accountants need tools that support multiple income streams, digital record keeping, quarterly reporting and final declarations in one place.

This is where Capium’s MTD software can play a practical role – supporting MTD for income tax with integrated digital records, quarterly submissions and agent-friendly workflows, alongside dedicated MTD for Income Tax software for quarterly submissions.

What this means day to day

In practice, MTD ITSA brings:

• More frequent reporting
• Higher administrative effort if processes aren’t streamlined
• A greater reliance on software and digital confidence

But it also creates structure. Quarterly reporting encourages better record keeping, clearer visibility of income reported and fewer last-minute surprises at year end.

At the end of the tax year, taxpayers will need to complete a year-end filing to adjust quarterly update information and claim reliefs, finalising their tax position under HMRC’s digital reporting system.

For accountants, it’s a shift in rhythm rather than an entirely new system.

Final thought: preparing now makes everything easier

MTD ITSA is a significant change, but it’s not an overnight one. Clients will move across in phases, thresholds will evolve, and the rules will bed in over consecutive tax years.

The firms that find MTD easiest to manage will be the ones that, alongside tax compliance, also keep on top of broader regulatory obligations using tools such as AML compliance and verification software:

• Identify affected clients early
• Standardise software and digital record keeping
• Test workflows well before deadlines arrive.

If you want to see how Capium’s MTD compatible software supports quarterly submissions, digital records and agent-led workflows for MTD ITSA, take a look at our MTD solution and explore how it fits into your existing practice processes.

The post Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: What ITSA really means in practice appeared first on capium.

Making Tax Digital for VAT is already part of everyday life for UK businesses – even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Since its introduction, MTD has quietly changed how VAT records are kept and how VAT returns are submitted, shifting businesses away from manual processes and towards digital reporting.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a government initiative that began its rollout in April 2019, initially targeting VAT-registered businesses. The aim of making tax digital MTD is to modernise tax reporting by requiring businesses to keep digital records and submit VAT returns using compatible software, reducing errors and simplifying compliance.

If you’re VAT registered, this guide explains what Making Tax Digital for VAT actually requires, what hasn’t changed, and how to stay compliant without making things more complicated than they need to be.

What Making Tax Digital for VAT really means

Making Tax Digital is a government initiative designed to modernise the UK tax system and reduce errors caused by manual record keeping. For VAT, it focuses on two core requirements: keeping VAT records digitally and submitting VAT returns using MTD compatible software that connects directly to HMRC’s system. Paper ledgers are no longer sufficient; businesses must keep digital records (an electronic account) of all VAT-relevant transactions, including designatory data and transaction details. Digital records must include sales and purchases with the tax point date, net value, and VAT rate charged. Only HMRC approved software or approved software can be used for compliance, and all VAT-registered businesses must use Making Tax Digital (MTD) compatible software to submit their VAT returns.

What it doesn’t do is change VAT rates, VAT thresholds or how often you pay. The timing of VAT return periods and VAT payments remains exactly the same as under the previous system.

In short, MTD for VAT changes how you report – not what you report.

Who MTD for VAT applies to

MTD for VAT applies to all VAT registered businesses, not just those above the VAT registration threshold.

That includes:

• Businesses registered because their taxable turnover exceeded the VAT threshold
• Businesses that registered voluntarily below the threshold
• Sole traders, partnerships and limited companies
• Newly VAT registered businesses

Initially, only businesses above the VAT threshold were required to comply with Making Tax Digital for VAT, but now all VAT-registered businesses, regardless of size, must follow the rules.

As of 2024, HMRC automatically enrolls all new VAT-registered businesses for MTD for VAT unless they are exempt. VAT registration for new businesses is handled automatically by HMRC to ensure MTD compliance.

If your business has a VAT registration number, MTD applies automatically. There’s no opt-out based on size or sector, and very limited exemptions.

Keeping VAT records digitally

Under MTD regulations, businesses must maintain digital VAT records. All accounting records related to VAT must be kept using digital record-keeping, which is required for compliance. These records include standard VAT information such as sales and purchase totals, output VAT, input VAT, VAT adjustments and details of the VAT accounting scheme used.

It is essential to use compliant software, either a full accounting solution or bridging software, to ensure records are kept and submitted correctly to HMRC. Paper records alone are no longer sufficient. While paper receipts can still exist, the VAT data itself must be recorded and stored digitally, with figures transferred using digital links rather than manual copy-and-paste.

Before submitting your VAT return, you should check your digital VAT account generated by your accounting software for mistakes to avoid errors in your submission. Businesses must also keep hold of all supporting documents and invoices in case HMRC asks to see them after submitting their VAT return. Digital records make it easier to track expenses and create an audit trail, simplifying record checks if HMRC investigates.

MTD-compatible software often includes built-in reporting features that generate real-time cash flow projections. Digital record-keeping reduces errors and provides real-time insight into cash flow and performance, streamlining administrative tasks and improving financial management.

Submitting VAT returns under MTD

Manual submissions are no longer allowed under Making Tax Digital (MTD); businesses must now submit returns digitally. VAT returns must now be submitted through compatible software rather than typed directly into HMRC’s website. Businesses use MTD-compatible software to submit returns electronically to HMRC, ensuring compliance with digital record-keeping requirements. The software sends VAT data digitally to HMRC via an application programming interface (API), removing the risk of errors introduced during manual re-keying.

The VAT return periods, filing deadlines and payment dates are unchanged. VAT returns and payments are due one month and seven days after the end of each accounting period, and late submissions are subject to a points-based penalty system. Businesses must submit their VAT returns by the deadline for their accounting period to avoid penalties. If you pay by Direct Debit, that still works in the same way. MTD simply replaces the submission method behind the scenes.

Choosing the right software

Businesses can meet MTD requirements in different ways, depending on how they currently manage their VAT records. To comply with Making Tax Digital for VAT, businesses must use HMRC approved software or approved software that supports MTD.

Some use full accounting software packages that handle VAT, income and reporting in one place. Others rely on bridging software to submit VAT returns from spreadsheets. Both approaches are allowed, provided the software is MTD compatible, HMRC-approved, and maintains digital VAT records.

You must authorise your chosen software to communicate with HMRC, and this authority typically needs to be renewed every 18 months. Using MTD-compatible software should reduce the amount of time you spend calculating and submitting your VAT return. MTD aims to simplify the process of record keeping and payment, helping to reduce costly administrative errors.

The right choice depends on transaction volume, future growth and whether wider tax reporting – such as income tax or corporation tax – is likely to follow.

What happens if you don’t comply

MTD for VAT operates under HMRC’s points-based penalty system, and businesses must follow MTD rules to avoid penalties. Failing to comply with MTD for VAT can result in penalties for businesses that are not exempt. For every late VAT return submission, a penalty point is issued, and once a penalty point threshold is reached, a penalty fee is incurred. The penalty for late submissions is £200 for each late VAT return once the threshold is reached. Points for late submissions expire after 24 months if all outstanding returns are submitted and a period of compliance is maintained. Exemptions from MTD can be requested if it is impractical for a business to use digital tools due to reasons such as age or disability, and certain businesses, including those subject to an insolvency procedure, may be exempt from MTD for VAT. Repeated late submissions can result in penalties, even where no VAT is due. Staying compliant isn’t about doing more work – it’s about having systems in place that make compliance routine rather than stressful.

Why MTD for VAT can actually help businesses

Once it’s embedded properly, digital VAT record keeping often gives businesses better visibility over their finances. The key benefits of Making Tax Digital (MTD) include reducing errors, saving time, and improving financial management through integrated reporting features. MTD helps businesses save time by streamlining essential processes such as invoicing, payroll, and expenses. Digital record-keeping and reporting provide real-time insight into a business’s financial position, enabling better cash flow analysis and decision-making. With more accurate, up-to-date figures, businesses can make better decisions and plan ahead with confidence. MTD requires businesses to submit updates every quarter to bring the tax system closer to real-time. Since April 2022, all VAT-registered businesses in the UK have been required to comply with MTD for VAT, regardless of turnover, unless HMRC grants an exemption. VAT liabilities are easier to track, records are more accurate, and the overall tax reporting process becomes more predictable.

For many businesses, MTD for VAT is also a stepping stone towards broader digital reporting – particularly as Making Tax Digital expands across other taxes.

Final thoughts on Making Tax Digital for VAT registered businesses

Making Tax Digital for VAT isn’t something to “get through” – it’s about building VAT reporting into everyday business processes in a way that’s reliable and low-stress. With the right digital tools, MTD becomes part of the background rather than a compliance headache.

If you’re looking for a simple way to stay fully compliant, Capium’s MTD-ready VAT software helps UK businesses keep digital VAT records, submit VAT returns directly to HMRC, and manage tax reporting in one secure system.

The post Making Tax Digital for VAT: a simple guide for UK businesses appeared first on capium.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) has been talked about for so long that it’s easy to forget what it’s actually for. Beyond the deadlines, pilot schemes and penalty point headlines, HMRC is trying to change how the UK tax system works at a fundamental level.

This guide offers a just simple summary of Making Tax Digital explained – what HMRC is trying to achieve and why it matters for accountants, tax agents and the small businesses you support.

What is Making Tax Digital?

At its core, Making Tax Digital (often shortened to MTD) is HMRC’s plan to move the tax system away from paper records and manual processes, towards a fully digital system.

Under the new rules, businesses and individuals with qualifying income will need to:

• Create digital records of income and expenses, ensuring each transaction’s value, date, and HMRC category of allowable expenses are recorded to meet MTD obligations
• Use MTD compatible software that is HMRC-recognised and fit for purpose or tax digital software that is commercially available and HMRC-approved
• Submit quarterly digital updates to HMRC using MTD compliant software, replacing the traditional annual tax return or self assessment tax return for those above the MTD threshold
• Complete a period statement and a final declaration at the end of the tax year

Quarterly digital updates are now a core requirement, meaning that instead of submitting an annual tax return or self assessment tax return, those above the relevant threshold must report income and expenses every quarter and make a final declaration at year end.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a new approach designed to help customers avoid errors and make submitting tax returns easier. From 6 April 2026, MTD for Income Tax will apply to anyone with qualifying income above £50,000 per year from self-employment or property. Qualifying income includes gross income before expenses from all relevant sources, such as sole trader and property activities. The relevant threshold is based on your total annual income from self-employment and property combined. Landlords and self-employed individuals with qualifying income above £50,000 must comply with Making Tax Digital from 6 April 2026.

MTD obligations require you to keep digital records that show the value and date of each transaction and specify the HMRC category of allowable expenses. Under MTD, quarterly digital updates must be submitted to HMRC using MTD compliant software, and annual self assessment tax returns will be replaced by quarterly reporting and a final declaration. You must use commercially available, HMRC-approved MTD compliant software for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

MTD already applies to VAT registered businesses above the VAT threshold, with MTD for VAT software used to submit VAT returns via compatible software using digital links. The next major phase is tax digital for income tax – referred to as MTD for Income Tax or MTD ITSA.

What HMRC is trying to achieve

HMRC’s stated aim is simple enough – fewer mistakes, better visibility and a smaller tax gap. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is aiming to improve the accuracy and timeliness of tax information through MTD obligations, requiring taxpayers to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates for self-employment and property income.

The aim of Making Tax Digital is to spread the workload across the year and reduce the pressure of the end-of-year tax deadline.

Better visibility means that more timely tax information helps HMRC issue accurate tax bills and monitor compliance, including late payment penalties for non-compliance. The reality is more nuanced.

The number of individuals affected by Making Tax Digital is expected to rise to almost 3 million by spring 2028 as lower-income individuals are brought into the system, so accountants need to track key MTD for Income Tax dates and deadlines carefully.

1. Reducing errors through digital record keeping

HMRC estimates that billions are lost each year through avoidable errors rather than deliberate evasion. Paper records, manual rekeying and spreadsheet workarounds all increase risk.

By requiring businesses to keep electronic records and use digital record keeping software, HMRC believes fewer mistakes will be made when figures flow directly from source data to tax returns. Using a dedicated bank account for business income and expenses can further simplify record-keeping and help meet Making Tax Digital requirements.

This is why digital links matter, and why bridging software is only seen as a transitional solution rather than the end goal.

2. Getting more timely data

Under Income Tax Self Assessment, HMRC often waits until well after the accounting period ends to see what’s happening. Quarterly submissions change that.

By requiring businesses to submit quarterly digital updates of business income and expenses, HMRC gains earlier insight into income sources, property income, self employment profits and income streams that are reported separately, such as the Construction Industry Scheme. These quarterly digital updates must be submitted just over one month after each quarter ends, with the first quarter ending on 5 July 2026 due by 7 August 2026. To meet these deadlines, you must use MTD-compliant software for timely submissions. Logging receipts and invoices regularly will simplify the process of sending quarterly updates to HMRC and help ensure compliance.

This doesn’t mean quarterly updates are tax bills – accounting adjustments, tax reliefs and final tax calculations still happen at year end. But HMRC gets a clearer picture of the economy in real time.

3. Modernising tax administration

MTD is also about long-term tax administration. HMRC wants a new system that is scalable, digital by default and easier to integrate with software providers, supported by MTD-compatible accounting software that streamlines digital compliance. Reliable internet access is important for using cloud-based MTD software, and you should ensure your chosen software is compatible with your device.

The end vision is a digital system where taxpayers can view income, expenses, tax records, penalties and liabilities in one place, and where tax agents can manage client tax affairs more efficiently. You can manually create digital records for transactions from unlinked accounts or cash payments.

Who Making Tax Digital affects next

The upcoming changes that matter most to accountants are tied to MTD for Income Tax, but they sit within the wider context of Making Tax Digital and HMRC’s digitalisation programme.

From the start date, individuals and businesses with gross income over the qualifying income threshold from self employment and/or property income will need to comply. This includes:

• Sole traders
• Landlords with property income
• Small businesses previously outside digital reporting
• Some individuals with multiple income sources

The MTD threshold (also referred to as the relevant threshold) is £50,000 in qualifying income. Qualifying income includes gross income from self-employment, property business, and rental income from UK property. This means self employed individuals, sole traders and landlords, and those with employment income above the threshold are legally required to comply, and many will benefit from MTD for business tools that simplify record keeping and collaboration with accountants. Only income from salary, dividends, or specific allowances may be exempt, and limited companies are not currently required to comply. Some groups are automatically exempt, such as those without a national insurance number, certain disabled individuals, and those with care relief.

HMRC will check the gross income as declared on your Self-Assessment tax return to determine if and when you must join Making Tax Digital. If your gross rental income is above £50,000, you must comply from 6 April 2026 unless you qualify for an exemption. You can apply to HMRC for an exemption if it is not reasonably practical for you to use digital tools.

You should start preparing for Making Tax Digital by familiarizing yourself with the new system and signing up for the testing programme if possible.

Corporation tax is not yet within scope, but HMRC has made clear that MTD will eventually extend further across the tax system, building on the latest developments and pilot phases of Making Tax Digital.

What actually changes under MTD for Income Tax

For affected taxpayers, the biggest shift is behavioural rather than technical.

• Record keeping becomes continuous, not annual
• Digital tools replace paper records and spreadsheets
• Quarterly updates replace one annual submission
• Final declarations replace traditional self assessment.

You must use MTD-compliant software to submit quarterly updates and the final declaration to HMRC. Bridging software can be used to link a simple spreadsheet that details all your transactions directly to HMRC. Many software providers offer free trials, so you can test a few options before committing. Premium MTD-compliant software typically costs about £5 to £8 per month. Even with quarterly updates, you will still need to submit a final tax return by 31 January after the end of the tax year.

Instead of one income tax self assessment return, businesses submit:

1. Quarterly submissions (income and expenses send to HMRC). HMRC uses the information from these quarterly updates and the final declaration to calculate your tax bill.
2. A period statement confirming totals
3. A final declaration confirming all income, reliefs and adjustments.

Late submission penalties and penalty points apply for missed deadlines, reinforcing HMRC’s push for regular compliance.

Why this matters to accountants

MTD isn’t just a compliance exercise – it reshapes how accountants add value and creates new opportunities described in more detail in what Making Tax Digital may mean for accountants.

Better conversations, earlier

With digital records updated quarterly, accountants can spot issues earlier – cashflow pressures, rising tax bills or missing expenses. That enables proactive advice rather than retrospective fixes.

Software becomes strategic

Choosing software is no longer just about accounts production. Record keeping software, MTD software and accounting software now sit at the centre of the client relationship, so many practices are weighing up why Capium’s MTD software is a smart choice for accountants.

Clients need guidance on software choices, whether that’s full accounting software, own MTD compatible software or transitional bridging software during the testing phase.

This is where platforms like Capium’s Making Tax Digital software fit naturally into the conversation.

Less admin, more advisory (eventually)

While the transition creates short-term workload, HMRC’s goal is fewer year-end corrections, fewer errors and smoother workflows over time.

For firms willing to lean into digital tools and quarterly reporting, there’s a genuine opportunity to move away from pure compliance.

Where we are now

MTD for VAT is live. MTD for Income Tax has been through a pilot scheme, extended testing phase and multiple deadline changes. HMRC is still onboarding software providers and refining guidance.

That uncertainty has caused understandable fatigue – but the direction of travel is clear.

Making Tax Digital is not going away. The UK tax system is becoming digital by default, and accountants sit at the centre of that change.

The bottom line

Making Tax Digital explained simply: HMRC wants better data, fewer mistakes and a modern digital tax system. To get there, it’s reshaping how income, expenses and tax records are kept and reported.

For accountants, the challenge is helping clients navigate new rules, new software and new habits – without drowning them in jargon.

The opportunity is becoming the trusted guide through that change, backed by software that actually supports the way you and your clients work.

If you want to explore how the right digital system can support MTD compliance without adding friction, Capium’s MTD software is designed for just that – and we’re ready to help, with additional options covered in our overview of Capium’s MTD software for VAT, ITSA and corporation tax.

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