The Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) initiative has marked a significant transformation in the way individuals, including landlords, must report income and handle their tax responsibilities.

As a part of the Government’s broader strategy, MTD for ITSA aims to boost the UK’s tax system into one of the world’s most technologically advanced frameworks.

Currently, the focus is on individuals and unincorporated entities such as sole traders and partnerships. However, the Government plans to extend a similar MTD framework to limited companies and Corporation Tax in the future.

If your property portfolio and operations are incorporated as a limited company, it is important to start preparing for this upcoming requirement.

The system requires the use of digital software to manage records and send updates to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for Income Tax. This includes providing an end-of-period statement and a final declaration annually.

From 6 April 2026 (or 6 April 2027, depending on your level of income), you will need to implement MTD for ITSA if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You are registered for Self-Assessment.
• You are not exempt.
• Your total qualifying income is above £50,000 (or £30,000 post-April 2027).
• Your income comes from self-employment, property or both.

From the above, you can see that this requirement varies based on your total qualifying income, including earnings from property.

If you are a landlord, MTD for ITSA introduces significant implications, particularly for those who pay Income Tax through employment and must also declare additional income via ITSA.

This dual reporting obligation increases the complexity of managing your tax affairs, requiring diligent record-keeping and periodic updates to HMRC.

Consulting with an accountant can provide expert guidance and ensure that your tax records and submissions are accurate and compliant with current regulations.

Additionally, an accountant can offer strategic advice on managing your tax liabilities and identifying potential deductions more effectively.

The challenges presented by MTD for ITSA

Landlords will encounter multiple challenges as they adapt to MTD for ITSA.

The shift from paper-based or basic digital records to a fully digital, MTD-compliant software system is significant.

Managing this transaction, along with the usual demands of property management, could significantly increase your workload.

You must familiarise yourself with new systems and processes and may incur hidden expenses, such as system upgrades, investments in compliant software, and potentially, new technology acquisitions.

These investments, both in time and finances, amplify the existing challenges faced by landlords.

How can cloud accounting make MTD for ITSA easier?

For our landlord clients who are concerned about the complexities of MTD for ITSA, we suggest utilising cloud accounting solutions. Here are some key benefits of using cloud accounting software:

• Compliance with MTD requirements: Allows you to maintain digital records and manage transactions online, ensuring compliance with MTD mandates.
• Access to real-time data: Provides immediate access to up-to-date financial data, crucial for making accurate and timely submissions under MTD for ITSA.
• Scalability: Adapts to changes in your portfolio size or diversity, requiring only an initial investment in technology and avoiding repeated costs.
• Error reduction: Enhances accuracy by reducing the likelihood of errors, helping to streamline the management of financial records.
• Effective financial management: Offers tools that help you manage your finances more efficiently and in real-time, facilitating better decision-making.

If you need recommendations on cloud-accounting software, please get in touch with our team today.