The situation
A landlord with a portfolio of rental properties, and combined income above £50,000, learned that Making Tax Digital for Income Tax would apply to him from April 2026. He had always kept records in a single year end spreadsheet.
The problem
Under Making Tax Digital he would need to keep digital records and send HMRC quarterly updates, then a final declaration, rather than one annual return. His year end spreadsheet approach would no longer meet the rules, and leaving it late risked a scramble.
What we did
- Confirmed his position. We checked when he was affected and what qualifying income counted.
- Moved him to software. We set up compatible software with a bank feed so records stay current.
- Built the routine. We set up a simple quarterly rhythm and took on the updates ourselves.
What changed
He is fully ready ahead of the deadline, his records are digital and current, and the quarterly updates are handled for him. What felt like an obligation has become a clearer, more up to date picture of his properties through the year.
What this shows
Making Tax Digital is a real change for landlords and the self employed with higher incomes, but preparing early turns it from a worry into a routine.
Affected by Making Tax Digital?
We check when it applies to you, set up the right software, and handle your quarterly updates, so the change is smooth rather than stressful.