Monday, 29 September 2025

Making Tax Digital for Landlords: Why the November 2025 Webinar is a Must-Attend

 Over 4.3 million UK taxpayers will be brought into Making Tax Digital (MTD) by 2026, according to HMRC, including most landlords. The reforms mean quarterly digital submissions instead of one annual tax return. For many landlords, this is confusing and time-consuming.

That is why Optimise Accountants is hosting a free live webinar on Wednesday, 12th November 2025, at 8:00pm UK (BST), where landlords can hear directly from experts, see real examples, and ask questions live.

What is Making Tax Digital for landlords

Making Tax Digital for landlords is HMRC’s plan to digitise record-keeping. From April 2026, landlords with rental and business income above £50,000 must submit quarterly updates using HMRC-approved software. From April 2027, the threshold drops to £30,000.

Timeline

DateThresholdRequirement% of taxpayers affected
April 2026£50,000+4 quarterly updates, End of Period Statement, Final Declaration1.6m
April 2027£30,000–£50,000Same as above1.9m

Source: HMRC, gov.uk

Why attend the webinar

The webinar, hosted by Louise Misiewicz and Simon Misiewicz, FCCA ATT EA MBA, will cover:

  1. What MTD really means for landlords.

  2. Who is trapped by the new rules and how to avoid penalties.

  3. Loopholes and legitimate planning options.

  4. Quarterly reporting explained with live demos.

  5. Bookkeeping and software comparisons (Xero vs FreeAgent).

  6. Q&A session where you can ask your questions directly.

Practical steps for landlords

  • Choose HMRC-approved software.

  • Keep digital records immediately to avoid a backlog.

  • Understand Section 24 mortgage restrictions in your calculations.

  • Budget for potential penalties if you are late.

  • Attend the webinar to ask questions before the rules apply.

FAQs

Will non-resident landlords be affected? Yes, if UK rental income exceeds thresholds.
What happens if I miss a filing deadline? You accrue penalty points. Once the limit is reached, HMRC issues a £200 fine.
Can I use spreadsheets under MTD? No, only HMRC-approved software is allowed.
Why join the webinar instead of reading online guides? Because you can ask questions live and get tailored answers.

Call to action

📅 Register now for the free webinar: https://www.optimiseaccountants.co.uk/making-tax-digital-mtd-for-landlords/
📅 Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00pm UK (BST)
💻 Location: YouTube Live
🎙️ Hosted by: Louise Misiewicz and Simon Misiewicz

Written by Simon Misiewicz FCCA ATT EA MBA, Chartered Certified Accountant and Enrolled Agent.

Making Tax Digital for Landlords: 2026 Deadlines and Penalties

Over 4.3 million UK taxpayers will be required to comply with Making Tax Digital (MTD) by April 2026, according to HMRC. A large proportion of these are landlords with rental income above £50,000. With quarterly reporting and strict penalties for late filing, preparation now is essential.

What is Making Tax Digital for landlords

Making Tax Digital for landlords is a government initiative designed to modernise tax reporting. Instead of an annual self-assessment return, landlords will be required to submit digital records of their rental income and expenses every quarter.

The requirements are set out in HMRC’s MTD policy papers and VAT Notice 700/22, aligning with wider reforms to improve accuracy and reduce the tax gap.

Deadlines and thresholds for MTD

The rollout is staged. Landlords with income above £50,000 must join from April 2026. Those with income above £30,000 will join from April 2027.

MTD Timetable

DateThresholdRequirement% of taxpayers affected (HMRC est.)
April 2026£50,000+ property and self-employment incomeQuarterly updates via MTD software1.6m
April 2027£30,000–£50,000Quarterly updates via MTD software1.9m

Source: HMRC, gov.uk

5 steps landlords must take before April 2026

  1. Register for MTD-compatible software approved by HMRC.

  2. Keep digital records of income and expenses, including mortgage interest (noting Section 24 restrictions).

  3. Understand filing deadlines: quarterly updates, End of Period Statement (EOPS), and Final Declaration.

  4. Review tax planning opportunities, including incorporation and family ownership structures.

  5. Seek professional advice early to avoid penalties.

Penalties for late or incorrect filings

Under the new points-based penalty regime, late submissions attract one penalty point. Once the threshold is met, a £200 penalty is applied. Persistent late filing can lead to escalating fines.

International comparison: UK vs US digital filing


CountryDigital filing scopeDeadlinesTax authority
UKLandlords and self-employedQuarterly, plus year-endHMRC
USBusinesses with e-filing mandateAnnual, quarterly estimatesIRS

This shows the UK system will impose more frequent obligations than the US.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss a filing deadline under MTD?
You will accrue penalty points, which lead to a £200 fine once thresholds are met.

Do small landlords need to comply with MTD?
Yes, if income exceeds £30,000 from April 2027. Below that, HMRC is reviewing.

What software is allowed for MTD?
Only HMRC-approved software listed on gov.uk may be used.

Can landlords abroad be affected?
Yes, non-resident landlords with UK property income above thresholds are included.

Conclusion

Making Tax Digital for landlords is a major change. Preparation, accurate digital records, and professional guidance are essential. For a detailed breakdown, visit Optimise Accountants at https://www.optimiseaccountants.co.uk/making-tax-digital-mtd-for-landlords/ and watch the explainer on YouTube here.

Written by Simon Misiewicz FCCA ATT EA MBA, Chartered Certified Accountant and Enrolled Agent.

Author bio: Simon Misiewicz is co-founder of Optimise Accountants. He specialises in UK and cross-border tax planning for landlords and investors, and is qualified in both the UK and US.