Landlords face Saturday’s Making Tax Digital deadline

Landlords earning more than £50,000 must send their second Making Tax Digital quarterly update by Saturday (7 November), but no tax payment is due with it.

HMRC has addressed five common misunderstandings ahead of the deadline, including whether an update amounts to a tax return.

The submission is a short summary of self-employment and property income and expenses, sent through compatible software.

A customer’s overall tax position is calculated only when they submit their tax return for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.

Quarterly updates explained

Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s director of Making Tax Digital, said: “Thousands of sole traders and landlords have already successfully sent their first quarterly update, and we want the second to be just as straightforward.

“As the next deadline approaches, we’re helping customers prepare with confidence by answering common questions about MTD and highlighting the support available.”

He added: “Customers can send their update any time before 7 November and I would encourage them to do so as early as possible to ensure they have everything in place before the deadline.

“Quarterly updates are not tax returns, no tax is due when they’re sent, and customers can keep their information up to date throughout the year.”

Correcting digital records

Landlords who spot a mistake in a digital record should correct it as soon as possible, with the change appearing in their next quarterly update rather than requiring the previous submission to be resent.

Those who successfully submitted their first update in August do not need to contact HMRC to check it was received.

Submission histories can be viewed through an online tax account or MTD software.

There is also a choice of recognised software, including some free options, while landlords who use spreadsheets can link them to bridging software.

Saturday deadline support

The Saturday deadline does not mean submissions must arrive before the weekend as landlords can send their update on 7 November.

HMRC advises those needing help to get in touch during the week, when its full phone service is available.

However, the Self Assessment helpline will offer support with quarterly submissions from 9am to 3pm on deadline day.

Agents can also use that helpline on 0300 200 3310, although the Agent Dedicated Line will be closed.

HMRC also has information for landlords who are wanting an exemption from submitting quarterly Making Tax Digital returns.