MTD for Income Tax in 2026: What HMRC Is Changing for the Self-Employed and Landlords

MTD for Income Tax does not apply only to high-earning self-employed individuals. Many people do not realise they may also fall under the new HMRC rules.

For example, if someone works through PAYE but also rents out property or earns side income from self-employment, this income is also considered for MTD. HMRC looks at qualifying income, not only at a person’s main salary.

Example: rental income £8,000, expenses £2,000, net rental income £6,000. It is the net income that is considered for tax reporting purposes.

MTD is not just another HMRC requirement. For many businesses, it is an opportunity to organise finances properly, automate bookkeeping, and gain a clearer financial picture throughout the year instead of only before the Self Assessment deadline.