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Landlords14 July 2026

Do I Need MTD Software as a Landlord?

Do I need MTD software as a landlord? Yes — if your gross rent plus any self-employment income passes the threshold, HMRC requires compatible software. Here’s how to choose it.

Landlord reviewing rental income records on a laptop for Making Tax Digital

Yes — if your gross rental income, added to any self-employment turnover, is above the MTD threshold, you’ll need HMRC-compatible software. Spreadsheets alone aren’t enough, although a spreadsheet linked to bridging software is allowed. The software is what sends your quarterly updates to HMRC.

Why rent is measured before costs

HMRC looks at gross rent — the full amount your tenants pay, before the agent’s fee, the mortgage or repairs come out. Plenty of landlords are surprised to find they qualify when their profit is modest.

What the software needs to do

  • Record each property’s income and expenses digitally
  • Keep the records linked, without retyping figures between systems
  • Send quarterly updates and the year-end final declaration to HMRC

Choosing something that fits your portfolio

One flat? A simple, low-cost app with a bank feed is plenty. Several properties, or a mix of long lets and holiday lets? Choose something that tracks each property separately, so you can see which one is actually earning its keep. Jointly owned properties need each owner’s share recorded properly, too.

You don’t have to set it up alone

We help landlords right across Cornwall pick the software, connect the bank feed and get the first quarter filed calmly. If you’d like help choosing, give us a ring on 01326 377104 or book a free MTD check.

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