Exemption from MTD on age/other basis?

Elderly man stressed by tax paperwork at computer, symbolising relief through HMRC MTD exemption

by Readers Question

9:40 AM, 12th March 2026, 1 month ago 24

Categories:

Landlord News Making Tax Digital

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,

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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

Comments

Tiger

Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 191

7:34 PM, 8th April 2026, About 1 week ago

Reply to the comment left by Dennis Forrest at 12/03/2026 – 11:55
From next April, more people will need to use MTD as any one with a turnover of £30,000 will need to do their returns quarterly. Unless you sell your properties and turnover goes down to lower than £30k, you will get caught up in MTD.
Or ask HMRC for exemption.

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Karen

Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 63

3:10 PM, 12th April 2026, About 5 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Grumpy Doug at 13/03/2026 – 11:03
I want to use bridging software so I can carry on using my own spreadsheets. Links to your bank account sounds highly risky to me with all the hacking going on.
Do you know of any other bridging providers apart from the two you mention?

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Karen

Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 63

3:12 PM, 12th April 2026, About 5 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Dennis Forrest at 14/03/2026 – 09:16
My thoughts exactly. The country must be in dire financial circumstances as they cannot get the tax quick enough.

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Grumpy Doug

Member Since January 2016 - Comments: 236

8:10 AM, 13th April 2026, About 4 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Karen at 12/04/2026 – 15:10
Hi Karen, HMRC have a list on their MTD webpages. Alternatively use your friend Google to see what’s out there. If you’re technically “challenged” as many of us oldies are, look for a provider that offers a standard Excel template for landlords that you can download

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