Date Published 27 February 2026
Buy-to-let landlords are proving more prepared for the April 2026 rollout of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax than many sole traders, according to research commissioned by Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting. The study found that 80% of landlords feel ready for the changes, compared with just 64% of sole traders, highlighting a clear gap in confidence despite widespread awareness of MTD.
Landlords are not only aware of the new requirements; they are also seeing the potential benefits beyond simple compliance. Many recognise that MTD could improve financial forecasting, streamline bookkeeping, and offer better visibility of their rental income. Around two-thirds of landlords say they are familiar with the MTD rules, and 86% feel confident about the steps needed to comply. By contrast, almost half of sole traders' report limited understanding, and one in four sees no benefit in the changes at all. Professional support is proving key to this readiness. Over half of all respondents have already consulted an accountant or adviser, and landlords are more proactive, with 28% attending webinars or reviewing guidance, compared with just 8% of sole traders. Looking ahead, 86% of landlords plan to continue working with professional advisers to ensure smooth compliance.
Additionally, the research also shows that readiness varies by age, sector, and turnover. Younger landlords aged 18–44 feel most confident, while older landlords report lower preparedness. Those in office-based or digital roles have been quicker to set up digital record-keeping, whereas landlords in manual or customer-facing roles are slower to adapt. Turnover matters too: landlords earning between £50,000 and £250,000 annually feel least confident, while higher-earning landlords are more likely to seek professional support.
Despite their strong overall preparation, landlords still have questions, particularly around choosing the right software and managing costs. Many would welcome training sessions, webinars, and clearer official guidance to help them feel fully ready. According to Mohammed Sidat, associate director at Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting UK, accountants will be central to helping clients navigate MTD, from selecting affordable, compliant software to building confidence in new digital processes.
While most landlords are already on the right track, having the right support in place makes all the difference. At Adams Estates, we're committed to helping our landlords stay informed, organised, and fully prepared for the Making Tax Digital deadline. If you have questions about these upcoming changes, our team is more than happy to guide you. With the right advice and a little forward planning, April 2026 can be approached with confidence — not concern.
