A Practical Guide for UK Sole Traders & Landlords

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is changing how self-employed individuals and landlords report their income to HMRC.From April 2026 and beyond, many UK taxpayers will be required to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates using HMRC-approved software.Written by a UK accountant, this guide is designed to help you understand the system before it becomes mandatory, so you can avoid confusion, errors, and unnecessary stress.

What you’ll learn:

·       What Making Tax Digital for Income Tax actually is

·       Who MTD applies to (sole traders, landlords, CIS subcontractors)

·       How qualifying income is calculated (and what does not count)

·       Key MTD start dates and thresholds explained clearly

·       What quarterly updates are and what HMRC expects

·       The difference between quarterly updates and the final declaration

·       Common software and record-keeping mistakes to avoid

·       What MTD software can and cannot do for you

·       How professional support can reduce errors and save time

·       Practical examples in plain English