Landlord MTD deadlines: Key dates to know
27.03.2025
4 min read
25.01.2023
7 min read
Landlord MTD is fast approaching. The rollout of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) is changing the way landlords report their rental income. Starting from April 2026, eligible landlords will need to follow a new, more structured process—with multiple reporting deadlines throughout the year.
In this article, we break down the key MTD for Income Tax deadlines, explain what’s due and when, and share practical tips to help landlords stay compliant and avoid penalties. The rules apply from April 2026 for landlords who qualify (read the details here).
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) is a government initiative that requires landlords (and sole traders) to keep digital records and submit updates to HMRC using compatible software. Instead of one annual tax return, landlords will need to submit quarterly updates and a Final Declaration.
Landlords will be required to meet the following MTD for Income Tax deadlines every tax year.
Under landlord MTD, you must submit a summary of your rental income and expenses every quarter. These updates don’t need to be final, but they must reflect actual transactions for the period.
Quarterly submission deadlines:
Landlords can request to report using calendar quarters instead of HMRC’s default dates.
The Final Declaration replaces the traditional Self Assessment tax return. It confirms your total income across all sources (including property, self-employment, dividends, and interest).
🗓 Due by 31 January after the end of the tax year
Missing a deadline under MTD for Income Tax can lead to:
Keeping up with MTD for Income Tax deadlines isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it can improve how you manage your finances.
📊 Real-time financial insights – With quarterly updates, you get up-to-date visibility into rental income and expenses, and forecast of tax liability.
💰 Better cash flow planning – You’ll know what you owe earlier, so you can set aside funds over time.
Hammock polled 1,000 UK landlords in January 2022: 45% hadn’t set aside funds for their tax bill ahead of the 31 Jan deadline!
✅ Use MTD-compatible software
Hammock, the first landlord software recognised by HMRC, tracks transactions automatically, categorises expenses, and generates updates ready for submission—saving time and reducing stress.
✅ Set up deadline reminders
Use solutions that send automated alerts so you never miss a deadline. Hammock includes these reminders by default.
✅ Review your records monthly
Checking transactions regularly makes quarterly submissions quick and accurate.
✅ Join the landlord MTD pilot early
The MTD for Income Tax pilot is open to eligible landlords now. Getting started early gives you time to adapt and test your setup.
💡Top tip: Ask your accountant about the landlord MTD pilot
As the first landlord software recognised by HMRC, Hammock simplifies MTD for Income Tax compliance with:
🛎 Automated reminders for all key deadlines
📤 Seamless submissions to HMRC directly from the platform
📈 Real-time visibility of cash flow and tax liability throughout the year
Landlord MTD is a major shift—but with the right solutions and planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By keeping digital records, meeting all the MTD for Income Tax deadlines, and using software like Hammock, you can stay compliant whilst enhancing the monitoring of your property investments.
💡 Top tip: Don’t wait until 2026. Ask your accountant about their plans for landlord MTD and start organising your transition to digital records. Testing this new process early will give you a head start and make your landlord MTD journey smoother.
✅ Quick recap: MTD for Income Tax deadlines at a glance
| Submission | Period | Deadline |
| Quarterly Update 1 | 6th April – 5th July | 7th August |
| Quarterly Update 2 | 6th July – 5th October | 7th November |
| Quarterly Update 3 | 6th October – 5th January | 7th February |
| Quarterly Update 4 | 6th January – 5th April | 7th May |
| Final Declaration | Full tax year (all income) | 31st January |
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