The new rules for sole traders and landlords
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax has changed how sole traders and landlords report to HMRC. Instead of one tax return a year, you keep digital records and send updates every quarter through compatible software.
It started in April 2026 for people with qualifying income over £50,000. It’s due to reach those over £30,000 from April 2027 and over £20,000 from April 2028. Qualifying income is your combined turnover from self-employment and property, before expenses.
We set you up on the right software, keep your records up to date and send your quarterly updates on time, so the new rules don’t take over your evenings.
What’s included
Everything you need, handled by a fully qualified bookkeeper who knows your business.
- Checking whether and when the rules apply to you
- Setting you up on compatible software
- Keeping your digital records up to date
- Recording income and expenses each quarter
- Sending your quarterly updates to HMRC
- Getting your records ready for the year end
- Support for sole traders and landlords
- Working alongside your accountant
How it works
Getting started is simple, and the first conversation is free.
01
Free chat
Tell us about your income, how you keep records now and when the rules start for you.
02
Free quote
We’ll send a clear, competitively priced quote for keeping you compliant.
03
Getting set up
We set up your software and bring your records into it, ready for your first quarter.
04
Every quarter
We keep your records up to date and send your quarterly update to HMRC on time.
Frequently asked questions
Who does Making Tax Digital for Income Tax apply to?
Sole traders and landlords whose qualifying income is over the threshold. It started at £50,000 in April 2026, with the threshold due to fall to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028.
What counts as qualifying income?
Your total gross income from self-employment and property before expenses are taken off. If you have both, they’re added together.
When are the quarterly updates due?
Updates cover each quarter of the tax year and are due on the 7th of August, November, February and May. You’ll still need to finalise your figures after the tax year ends.
Do I still need an accountant?
We look after your records and quarterly updates, and we’re happy to work alongside your accountant for your year end.
What about Making Tax Digital for VAT?
All VAT registered businesses already have to follow Making Tax Digital for VAT. We take care of that as part of our VAT returns service.
More ways we can help
Outsourced bookkeeping
Professional and accurate bookkeeping for small, medium and large businesses.
Payroll solutions
A complete payroll service, so your employees are paid correctly and on time every pay period.
CIS returns
Accurate, timely CIS returns, with deductions checked and reclaims applied for.
Get in touch today for a no obligation chat
Tell us about your business and we’ll show you how we can take the bookkeeping off your hands.