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Sole traders and MTD
Making Tax Digital support for sole traders and landlords
MTD for Income Tax changes how many sole traders and landlords keep records and report income. Taxcandid helps you understand when it applies and how to get ready without panic.
- MTD checker for sole traders and landlords
- Digital records and quarterly update preparation
- Self Assessment and year-end finalisation support
What this page helps with
Best for sole traders, self-employed people and landlords who need to know whether MTD applies, what records are needed and which software route is practical.
How Taxcandid can help
Start with the part that matches your situation, then use the right action button when you are ready.
Check the start date
Use your sole trade and property income to understand whether the 2026, 2027 or 2028 MTD phase may apply.
Choose records software
Review whether bookkeeping software, a spreadsheet/bridging route or a fuller bookkeeping service is the right fit.
Quarterly routine
Set up a simple process for income, expenses, bank records and quarterly updates so deadlines do not build up.
Annual tax position
MTD does not remove the need to finalise the tax position. Self Assessment still needs year-end review and accuracy.
Practical support
MTD is not just a software question
The difficult part of MTD is not clicking a button. It is having records clean enough to report regularly. If bank feeds, invoices, mileage, home office costs, property expenses or platform income are messy, quarterly updates become stressful.
Taxcandid can review your income sources, explain your likely start date, set up digital records and keep the process proportionate to the size of your business or property income.
Latest Self Assessment tax return or income estimate
Sole trade and/or property income totals
Current record keeping method
Software access if you already use one
Common situations we see
Sole trader over £50,000
You may be in the first MTD phase and need digital records and quarterly update readiness now.
Landlord with property income
Rental income can count towards MTD thresholds and should be tracked carefully by property.
Not sure about income
If income changes each year, Taxcandid can review your latest figures before you choose software.
MTD checker
Check when MTD may apply to you
Answer a few quick questions. This checker is only a guide and should be confirmed against your Self Assessment figures and HMRC notices.
MTD for Income Tax is being phased in by qualifying income thresholds for sole trade and property income.
This checker does not send your answers to Taxcandid or GA4. It runs in your browser only.
Questions people ask
When does MTD for Income Tax start?
Under the current phased rules, it starts from 6 April 2026 for qualifying income over £50,000, from 6 April 2027 for over £30,000 and from 6 April 2028 for over £20,000.
Does MTD apply to landlords?
Yes, property income can be within MTD for Income Tax if the qualifying income thresholds are met.
Does MTD apply to limited companies?
MTD for Income Tax is about sole trade and property income. Limited companies follow company accounts and Corporation Tax routes, although directors may still have personal tax returns.
Can Taxcandid check my position?
Yes. Use the MTD checker as a guide, then contact Taxcandid if you want your income sources and records reviewed.
Ready to move forward?
Use the quote generator for routine work or contact Taxcandid first if the situation is sensitive, urgent or unclear.