Making Tax Digital, explained for Cornwall’s sole traders and landlords.
This page explains Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: what it is, who it applies to and when it starts. It is written for sole traders and landlords in Cornwall. Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s programme for moving tax record-keeping and reporting online. Instead of one return a year, the people it affects keep digital records and send HMRC a short summary every quarter, then tidy everything up with a final declaration at year-end. It starts in April 2026 for anyone with qualifying income over £50,000, and it’s far less daunting than it sounds.
When MTD applies, the deadlines.
HMRC is phasing MTD in by qualifying income, that’s your self-employment turnover plus any gross rent, before expenses. Add them up and see which date matters for you.
- 1Here now
April 2026
Income over £50,000
- 2
April 2027
Income over £30,000
- 3Expected
April 2028
Income over £20,000
Not sure which deadline applies to you? Run our free MTD check and we’ll tell you exactly where you stand, no obligation, no jargon.
Is my business affected by Making Tax Digital?
Yes, if your combined self-employment turnover and gross rental income is above £50,000 for the 2024/25 tax year, you join Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2026. The threshold drops to £30,000 in April 2027 and is expected to reach £20,000 in April 2028. If you’re below those figures, nothing changes yet, and we’ll tell you honestly when it does.
What does it mean for you?
MTD affects different people in slightly different ways. Pick the path that sounds like you and we’ll explain exactly what to expect.
Sole traders
Making Tax Digital for sole traders starts with your turnover. If it’s over the threshold, MTD means quarterly updates instead of one yearly return. We’ll set up your software, keep your records straight and file everything on time.
See sole-trader helpLandlords
Making Tax Digital for landlords counts your rental income too, whether you have one flat or a whole portfolio. We’ll make sure your digital records are HMRC-ready and your quarterly updates go out without a fuss.
See landlord helpMTD for sole traders in Cornwall
If you’re self-employed with turnover above the threshold, quarterly tax submissions replace the single annual scramble: four short summaries of income and expenses sent from compatible software, then one final declaration at year-end. Builders, hairdressers, designers, gardeners; we set the software up and keep it running.
Full sole-trader guide- Software chosen and set up, with a walkthrough
- Digital record-keeping that fits how you actually work
- Quarterly updates to HMRC, prepared and filed for you
- CIS, materials and subcontractors handled properly
- Year-end finalisation and final declaration
MTD for landlords in Cornwall
Gross rental income counts towards your qualifying income, before any expenses are taken off. If that puts you over the threshold, you’ll need digital records and quarterly updates for your property income. We keep the record-keeping tidy and the deadlines met.
Full landlord guide- One property or a whole portfolio, records kept per property
- Rent, agent fees, repairs and mortgage interest tracked correctly
- Furnished holiday lets and joint ownership handled
- Quarterly updates to HMRC, prepared and filed for you
- Year-end finalisation and final declaration
Your MTD questions, answered.
If you can’t find what you’re after, just call us on 01326 377104; we’re always happy to explain.
What is Making Tax Digital?
- Making Tax Digital is HMRC’s programme for digital tax record-keeping and quarterly reporting. Affected sole traders and landlords must keep records in compatible software, send HMRC a summary each quarter, and submit a final declaration at the end of the tax year.
Who does MTD apply to in 2026?
- It applies from April 2026 to sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 for the 2024/25 tax year. Qualifying income is self-employment turnover plus gross rent, before expenses.
Do landlords need to comply with MTD?
- Yes, if their share of gross rental income, added to any self-employment turnover, is above the threshold for that year. Property size does not matter, one let can be enough if the income is high enough.
Do I still file a Self Assessment?
- Yes. MTD does not replace Self Assessment; it changes how often you report. You send quarterly summaries through compatible software, then confirm everything with a final declaration at year-end. We handle both for you.
What records have to be digital?
- Your business income and expenses must be recorded digitally in approved software. That covers sales invoices, receipts, bank transactions and rental income; we help you choose the software and set it up properly.
Does MTD change when I pay my tax?
- No. Tax is still due by the usual Self Assessment deadlines. The change is how often you report your figures: four smaller updates instead of one big annual return.
Who is exempt from MTD?
- People below the income threshold, some trustees, and those who genuinely cannot use digital tools may be exempt. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your situation honestly.
How much does an accountant cost in Cornwall?
- We quote per client rather than publishing one price, because the work varies. Quotes are fixed, agreed up front and plus VAT, and your first MTD readiness check costs nothing.
Let’s find out where you stand.
A free, friendly readiness check. No obligation, no pressure; just clear answers and a plan.
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