If you’re a landlord, the way you report your tax to HMRC is about to change, and HMRC is already getting in touch.

Over the coming weeks, thousands of landlords across the UK will receive letters from HMRC as it ramps up preparations for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. If you earn more than £50,000 a year from property and/or self-employment, this does not include any income you receive through PAYE; these changes will affect you from April 2026.

Why are HMRC writing to landlords?

HMRC has confirmed that landlords and self-employed individuals earning over £50,000 fall into the first phase of the MTD rollout. The letters explain:

• What Making Tax Digital is
• When you’ll need to start using it
• How reporting will change
• What you need to do to stay compliant

If your income puts you in scope, this isn’t optional, preparation is key.

What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?

From 6 April 2026, landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 will need to:

• Keep digital records
• Use HMRC-approved software
• Submit quarterly updates to HMRC, rather than just one annual return

The first quarterly submission for the 2026–27 tax year will be due on 7 August 2026.

In total, HMRC estimates that nearly 900,000 landlords and self-employed individuals will be required to follow the new system in the first phase alone.

Will I still need to do a tax return?

Yes. Although quarterly reporting is being introduced, landlords will still need to submit an annual self-assessment tax return.

If you join MTD in its first year, your 2025–26 tax return must still be filed by 31 January 2027, under the current rules.

This is just the beginning

MTD is being introduced in stages:

• April 2026 – Income over £50,000
• April 2027 – Income over £30,000
• April 2028 – Income over £20,000

So even if you’re not affected yet, it’s very likely you will be soon.

How Boydens can support landlords

Taxation is becoming more complex, and for landlords, mistakes can be costly.

At Boydens, we work closely with landlords to help them stay compliant, organised and prepared. Our landlord taxation support service is designed to help you:

• Understand how MTD affects your property portfolio
• Prepare well ahead of the deadlines
• Ensure your records and reporting are accurate
• Reduce stress and avoid last-minute surprises

Whether you manage a single rental property or a larger portfolio, getting the right advice now can save you time, money and worry later.

Speak to us today

If you’ve received a letter from HMRC, or expect to, now is the time to act.

📞 Get in touch with Rebecca Smee our taxation expert on [email protected] to find out how our landlord taxation service can support you through Making Tax Digital and beyond. We’re here to help you stay one step ahead.