Is Self Assessment coming to an end for landlords? The answer is yes. What will replace it is more digital, more frequent, and for many people more complex. Here is what landlords need to know and how we can support you.
The big shift
From April 2026, Self Assessment for landlords will start to be phased out. In its place comes Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA).
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From April 2026: landlords with rental income above £50,000 will need to follow the new rules
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From April 2027: landlords with rental income above £30,000 will join
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From April 2028: landlords with rental income above £20,000 will be included
This means most landlords will be affected. The rules apply even if you only have one rental property.
What changes under MTD
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Quarterly reporting: Instead of one annual Self Assessment return, landlords will need to submit digital updates to HMRC four times a year.
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Digital tax return: At the end of the year a final return will be submitted digitally, combining property and any other relevant income.
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Software required: Paper records and spreadsheets on their own will not be accepted. HMRC requires all records to be kept digitally, either through accounting software or with bridging tools that meet their standards.
Where landlords often slip up
We expect landlords to face challenges in three main areas:
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Relying on old spreadsheets: These will not meet the new rules without bridging tools and can easily lead to mistakes.
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Mixing personal and rental income: MTD combines all income sources so PAYE, rental, and self employed income all need to be accounted for correctly.
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Waiting until the deadline: The first quarterly updates will be due in July 2026. Leaving preparation until then will cause unnecessary pressure.
How The Accounts Centre can help landlords prepare
We go beyond simply filing returns. Our role is to get you ready for the change so the process is smooth and stress free.
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Choosing the right software: We recommend and set up MTD compatible tools such as QuickBooks Online, Xero, or FreeAgent depending on your needs.
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Automation: We connect systems such as Dext or AutoEntry so you can scan receipts and have the data flow directly into your accounts.
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Quarterly updates done for you: We manage the reporting deadlines, check for errors, and make sure HMRC receives accurate information.
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Tax planning made clear: With digital records in place we can forecast your tax position throughout the year, helping you plan ahead with confidence.
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Practical support: Whether you have a single property or a growing portfolio, we keep the process straightforward and manageable.
Our view
MTD will add new reporting requirements but it also offers advantages. Digital record keeping provides better financial insight, reduces errors, and removes the stress of leaving everything until January.
The important step is to start early. Preparing before April 2026 will mean a far easier transition.
