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Making Tax Digital for landlords and the self-employed

Deadlines, thresholds, penalties and the year end, written for people who do their own books.

Illustration for: Rent-a-room relief or whole let: which applies to you
19 October 2026 · 5 min read

Rent-a-room relief or whole let: which applies to you

Letting a room in your home? How the £7,500 rent-a-room relief works, why whole lets can't use it, and when opting out could save you tax.

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Illustration for: The 7 November MTD update: what to file, step by step
11 October 2026 · 5 min read

The 7 November MTD update: what to file, step by step

Your second MTD quarterly update is due 7 November 2026. Here's exactly what goes in it, with a worked example and a calm plan for this week.

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Illustration for: What Actually Changes at Year End Under MTD
1 October 2026 · 6 min read

What Actually Changes at Year End Under MTD

After four quarterly updates, your MTD year ends with one tax return where allowances and adjustments finally get made. Here's how that step works.

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Illustration for: Airbnb Host Fees: Gross vs Net for UK Hosts
22 September 2026 · 6 min read

Airbnb Host Fees: Gross vs Net for UK Hosts

Why UK Airbnb hosts declare gross booking income, claim host fees as expenses, and handle cleaning both ways. A plain-English worked example.

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Illustration for: The MTD Penalty Points Expiry Clock: How Late-Update Points Fall Off
14 September 2026 · 6 min read

The MTD Penalty Points Expiry Clock: How Late-Update Points Fall Off

One late MTD update earns a point, not a fine — and that point doesn't stay forever. Here's exactly how the 24-month expiry clock works for landlords.

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Illustration for: How MTD Penalties Really Work: The £200 Explained
1 September 2026 · 4 min read

How MTD penalties work and the £200 charge

How four penalty points under Making Tax Digital turn into a single £200 charge, and why late filing and late payment are separate things.

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Illustration for: MTD Penalty Points: Why One Late Update Isn't a Fine
23 August 2026 · 5 min read

MTD penalty points: why one late update isn't a fine

One late MTD update earns a point, not a fine. Here is how the points system works and how a landlord could still end up paying £200.

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Illustration for: "You're Exempt from MTD"? The SA109 Rule Explained
14 August 2026 · 5 min read

"You're exempt from MTD"? The SA109 rule explained

If HMRC's sign-up service turns you away as exempt from MTD, it's usually the SA109 rule. Here's what it means and what to do next.

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Illustration for: Missed the 7 August MTD Deadline? Don't Panic — It's Not a Fine
6 August 2026 · 4 min read

Missed the 7 August MTD deadline? It's not a fine

Missing your first mandatory MTD quarterly update means one penalty point and £0. Here's what actually happens and how to put it right.

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Illustration for: Hosting on Airbnb or Vrbo? When MTD Actually Applies to You
30 July 2026 · 4 min read

Airbnb and Vrbo hosts: when MTD applies to you

If you let on Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking.com, here is who is caught by Making Tax Digital, when it starts and what changes.

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