MTD for Landlords: Free Software & Preparation Guide

If you are a landlord with a few rental properties, you likely have a system that works for you. You track rent coming in, you track repairs and mortgage interest going out, and you file your tax return once a year.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is changing the rules, but it doesn't have to ruin your system.

Do You Need to Comply?

Starting in April 2026, MTD applies to landlords whose total qualifying income is over £50,000.

It's important to note that this is your gross income (total rent collected before expenses), not your profit. If you also have self-employed income, you must add that to your rental income to see if you cross the £50,000 threshold.

What MTD Requires from Landlords

Under MTD, you must:

1. Keep digital records of your rental income and expenses.
2. Submit quarterly summaries to HMRC.
3. Submit an End of Period Statement (EOPS) and a final declaration.

What You Do NOT Need

Many software companies are using MTD to sell complex property management suites. As a landlord with just a few properties, you do not need property management software.

You do not need automated bank feeds, tenant portals, or complex accounting dashboards.

The Simple Solution: Spreadsheets + Bridging Software

If you want zero stress and minimal changes to your workflow, the best approach is:

1. Use a spreadsheet: Track your rental income and expenses in Excel or Google Sheets.
2. Use bridging software: At the end of the quarter, upload your spreadsheet to a bridging tool like Abridge. It extracts the totals and sends them directly to HMRC.

Three rental properties, one spreadsheet, zero stress. You stay compliant without paying for software features you will never use.