Starting April 2026, north of 4 million landlords and self-employed folks in the UK will need to follow new digital tax rules under Making Tax Digital software providers. If that sounds a bit daunting, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
The beauty is it’s not that stressful.
In this newsletter, we break down everything into 8 easy steps plus a bonus checklist to help you stay ahead.
Understand What MTD ITSA Actually Is
MTD ITSA is HMRC’s push to modernise the tax system. You’ll need to: ✔️ Keep digital records
✔️ Submit updates every 3 months
✔️ File an End of Period Statement (EOPS) and a Final Declaration
No more once-a-year tax returns. It’s more frequent—but possibly less painful.
Check If It Applies to You
You’ll need to follow the rules if:
You’re self-employed or a landlord
Your total income from these sources is over £50,000 from April 2026 Between £30k–£50k? You get an extra year (until April 2027).
Get the Right Info Ready to Sign Up
To sign up, you’ll need your:
Government Gateway ID
Business and accounting details
MTD-compatible software
Choose MTD-Compatible Software
Not all software will cut it. Make sure it’s approved by HMRC and can send quarterly updates and handle your year-end filings.
Keep Digital Records of Income & Expenses
Paper receipts and spreadsheets won’t work anymore. Use your software to log every sale, expense and transaction—ideally in real time.
Submit Quarterly Updates
Every 3 months, send a summary of your income and expenses. Deadlines are: ️ 7 August, 7 November, 7 February, and 7 May
File Your EOPS & Final Declaration
At year-end, confirm your records (EOPS), and then submit your final tax declaration by 31 January.
Avoid Penalties
Missed a deadline? That’s the point. Reach 4 points (for quarterly filers), and it’s a £200 fine. Stay on track with alerts and check-ins.
✅ Bonus: Use Our Checklist
Download or bookmark the checklist to stay organised and stress-free. It’s your step-by-step MTD for landlords survival guide.
Got questions? Don’t wait till the deadline looms. Now’s the time to get ahead.