How HMRC’s Making Tax Digital affects sole traders and landlords – Daily Business

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a UK government programme aimed at moving tax reporting into a fully digital system. It was first introduced in 2015, with its rollout starting in April 2019 for VAT-registered businesses. The next major step is its extension to Income Tax, which is set to apply from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords who meet the income threshold. 

But what is the goal of this? Simply put, HMRC wants to reduce errors, improve accuracy, and make tax reporting more efficient by requiring digital record-keeping and regular updates instead of relying on a single annual return. 

This might sound like a big shift, especially if you’re used to doing things manually or once a year. That’s why it’s important to understand what’s changing and how it affects you. In this guide, we’ll break down what Making Tax Digital is, who it applies to, and what you need to do to stay compliant. 

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What is Making Tax Digital? 

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s long-term plan to modernise the UK tax system by moving everything into a digital format. Instead of relying on paper records or manual spreadsheets, individuals and businesses are required to keep digital records and submit updates using HMRC-approved software. 

The main goal behind MTD is to reduce errors. HMRC has found that a large portion of tax mistakes comes from manual entry, forgotten records, or last-minute reporting. By switching to digital systems, the process becomes more accurate and easier to manage throughout the year. 

Rather than a singular change, MTD is a phased programme. It started with VAT in April 2019, where VAT-registered businesses above the threshold were required to keep digital records and submit returns through compatible software. The next major phase focuses on Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), which will apply to sole traders and landlords from April 2026, depending on their income level. 

There are also practical benefits that come with it: 

Better accuracy – Less chance of errors from manual input 

Real-time financial view – You can see how your business or property income is performing throughout the year 

Improved cash flow awareness – Easier to estimate tax bills in advance 

Less year-end pressure – No more rushing to prepare everything at once 

Who Needs to Follow MTD Rules? 

Making Tax Digital is being introduced in stages, so not everyone is required to follow it straight away. HMRC is rolling it out gradually to give individuals and businesses time to adjust to the new system. 

The Income Tax (MTD for ITSA), which is set to begin from April 2026. This will apply to sole traders and landlords with annual income over £50,000. From April 2027, the threshold is expected to drop to £30,000, meaning more people will be brought into the system over time. 

These thresholds are based on total income, not profit. So even if your expenses are high, you may still need to follow MTD rules. 

Here’s how MTD affects different groups: 

Group Who It Applies To What Changes Under MTD Sole Traders Income over £50,000 (from April 2026) Must keep digital records of income and expenses, use HMRC-approved software, and submit quarterly updates instead of one yearly return Landlords Property income over £50,000 (from April 2026) Must track rental income, maintenance costs, and other expenses digitally, with regular updates submitted to HMRC throughout the year 

What Changes Under Making Tax Digital? 

Making Tax Digital doesn’t just change how you submit your tax return. It changes how you manage your finances throughout the year, shifting from a once-a-year task to something more consistent and structured. 

Here’s what the Making Tax Digital changes look like in practice: 

1) Digital Record Keeping 

Under MTD, you’re required to keep digital records of your income and expenses using HMRC-compatible software. 

This includes key details such as transaction dates, amounts, and categories of income or expenses. For landlords, records may also need to be tracked per property, especially if you manage multiple units. 

You can still use spreadsheets, but they must be connected to approved software through digital links. Simply typing everything manually or storing paper records won’t meet the requirements. 

2) Quarterly Reporting Instead of Annual Returns 

One of the biggest changes is how often you report to HMRC. Instead of submitting one annual Self Assessment, you’ll send quarterly updates that summarise your income and expenses. These updates are based on your current records and give HMRC a running view of your finances. 

You won’t be paying tax every quarter, but you’ll have a better idea of what you owe as the year goes on. This helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected tax bills. 

3) End-of-Year Submissions and Final Declaration 

Even with quarterly updates, there’s still a year-end process to complete. 

You’ll need to finalise your records through an End of Period Statement (EOPS), where adjustments are made, such as claiming allowable expenses or applying reliefs. After that, you’ll submit a Final Declaration, which replaces the traditional Self Assessment tax return. 

This step confirms that all your information is accurate and complete for the tax year. It also includes any additional income sources outside your business or property. 

4) Use of Software and Digital Compliance 

MTD requires the use of HMRC-recognised software that connects directly to their system. These tools are designed to make record-keeping and reporting more efficient. 

Another key requirement is the use of digital links, meaning your data must move between systems electronically. Manual copying or re-entering figures is not allowed under MTD rules. 

They typically allow you to: 

Track income and expenses in real time 

Connect your bank account for automatic transaction updates 

Submit reports directly to HMRC 

Can I Create My Own MTD Setup? 

Yes, you can set up and manage Making Tax Digital on your own, but it depends on how comfortable you are with accounting and digital tools. 

To do it yourself, you’ll need to choose HMRC-compatible software, set it up properly, and keep your records updated throughout the year. This includes tracking income, recording expenses, and submitting your quarterly updates on time. 

The challenge is that small mistakes can cause bigger issues. Incorrect entries, missed deadlines, or not following digital compliance rules properly can lead to penalties or inaccurate tax reporting. It also takes time to stay consistent, especially if you’re already busy running a business or managing properties. 

That’s why it is better to leave it to experts like LJS Accounting Services, who have specialist Making Tax Digital Accountantswho can help you stay compliant while keeping everything organised and stress-free.

Keep Your Things Up To Date 

Making Tax Digital helps shift how you manage your finances in a more organised way. For sole traders and landlords, this means having a clearer view of income, expenses, and overall performance throughout the year instead of trying to figure everything out at the last minute. 

Keeping your records updated regularly also reduces the chances of errors and gives you a better idea of what your tax position looks like ahead of time. This can make planning easier, especially when it comes to budgeting or setting aside money for tax. 

At the end of the day, MTD is about staying organised and keeping things current. Once you get used to the process, it becomes easier to manage and less stressful to deal with. Staying consistent with your records helps you stay compliant and keeps your finances in good shape moving forward. 

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