Landlords slow to sign up for Making Tax Digital as deadline nears
1 month ago | 9 comments
Exemption from MTD on age/other basis?
9:40 AM, 12th March 2026, 1 month ago
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Hello, As an informative. I’m 73 and (hand) wrote a letter (a bit scrawly on unlined paper!) to HMRC. I mentioned my age, that my memory was not so good, I’m a bit doddery on my feet and not au fait with software although I can manage a basic spread sheet.
I also said I had tried some free MTD (Making Tax Digital) software (xero) but it was completely incomprehensible to me. I am retiring soon and plan to sell my properties in the nearish future.
I received a letter after about 3 weeks granting me exemption.
There is nothing I can find that mentions a specific age “limit” and it will be judged along with your other “handicaps”.
Embellish or not as you see fit! I hope that helps a few people.
Thank you,
G
Tags:
HMRC digital exclusion age and disability rules, HMRC MTD digital exclusion exemption, How landlords can avoid Making Tax Digital reporting, Landlord exemption from Making Tax Digital, Making Tax Digital exemption for landlords
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Member Since September 2025 - Comments: 27
9:58 AM, 12th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Thanks will be doing the same ( 76) !!!!
Member Since March 2022 - Comments: 137
10:02 AM, 12th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Good to read there is still a human element to HMRC! Well done they could have said “sorry you’ll have to hire an accountant”. Lest there is some good news in the world of tax.
Member Since June 2023 - Comments: 65
10:18 AM, 12th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Surely the inclusion of the intention to sell up his portfolio was also a contributory explanation as to why HMRC made an exception? Not just his claimed difficulty in using MTD software.
Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 6
10:24 AM, 12th March 2026, About 1 month ago
There is no age related exemption but there are instead of a fixed age limit, HMRC uses a “digital exclusion” test.
You may be exempt if it’s not reasonably practicable for you to use digital tools (MTD software) because of things like:
Age-related limitations (e.g., difficulty using computers or smartphones)
Disability or health conditions
Lack of internet access where you live
Religious objections to using computers
Member Since July 2019 - Comments: 7
10:35 AM, 12th March 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by susan sinclair at 12/03/2026 – 10:24
I have a supplementary question. My accountant does my return. Is it me or him that has to deal with MTD?
Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 6
10:46 AM, 12th March 2026, About 1 month ago
I think either can request the exemption. Regarding your return. I think both of you. Either you collect the information digitally and pass it onto hmrc using appropriate software or you pass onto your accountant. I would talk to your accountant.
Member Since October 2019 - Comments: 394
11:42 AM, 12th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
They expect everyone to be tech’ wizards. I hope they have nothing but trouble with the whole system. We rely on computers too much these days!
Member Since July 2017 - Comments: 463
11:55 AM, 12th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
I am 82 and also exempt I think, gross rent on two properties total £42,000 at the moment. I hope they raise the limit to allow for inflation, but I doubt it. Might have sold up before my rents get to £50,000
Member Since June 2023 - Comments: 65
1:10 PM, 12th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
I believe that the £50,000 qualifying income is to reduce progressively over time until all property income to private landlords (as well as the self employed) will be required to join in the fun.
Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 22
1:24 PM, 12th March 2026, About 4 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Mike Newman at 12/03/2026 – 10:35
I also have an accountant but he was unaware of possible exemptions so after consulting Mr Google and the hmrc site I did it myself directly with hmrc.