Coming soon. A record-keeping workbook for UK landlords: log your rent and costs, see your totals for each quarterly update period and plan your Self Assessment payments.
Please read this first. This is a spreadsheet for keeping records. It is not software that works with Making Tax Digital, and it does not connect to HMRC or send anything to HMRC. To send quarterly updates and submit your tax return under MTD, you will need compatible software, such as bridging software that links to your spreadsheet. This is not tax advice.
Why a record keeper
From 6 April 2026, landlords and sole traders with qualifying income over £50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly updates under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. The threshold is legislated to fall to £30,000 from 6 April 2027 and £20,000 from 6 April 2028 (gov.uk).
Gov.uk says you can keep using spreadsheets for your records: "But you'll still need software that links to your spreadsheets (sometimes called bridging software). This is how you'll send quarterly updates and submit your tax return." (Using MTD for Income Tax for the first time)
The record keeper is for the record-keeping part: one tidy place for every payment in and out, sorted into the right period, ready for whichever compatible software you choose. HMRC's guide to choosing the right software explains the options.
What it does
- Setup for up to 10 properties. Name each let and set your share, so a 50% joint let counts at 50%. Choose where you live for income tax, and choose standard or calendar update periods.
- Income Log and Expense Log. One line per payment, with the date, property, category and amount. The update period fills in by itself, and a Check column flags a missing date, property or amount.
- Expense categories that sort each cost into an allowable expense, a finance cost (Section 24) or capital, which is not deducted.
- Scope guide. Type your qualifying income from your tax returns to see whether and when MTD is likely to apply. It is a guide, not a ruling. Our guide to MTD qualifying income explains what counts.
- Quarterly Summary. Totals for each update period, plus the cumulative figures from the start of the tax year, which is how quarterly updates work.
- Update tracker. When you send an update through your own MTD software, type the date you sent it, so you can see what is done and what is due.
- SA and POA Planner. An estimate of your 2026-27 tax, your payments on account and a monthly amount to set aside.
- Rates and Sources tabs. Every rate and date with its effective date, its status and the gov.uk or legislation.gov.uk source.
Dates built in
- Quarterly updates due 7 August, 7 November, 7 February and 7 May, for standard periods (to 5 July, 5 October, 5 January and 5 April) or calendar periods (to 30 June, 30 September, 31 December and 31 March) (send quarterly updates).
- Payments on account for 2026-27 due 31 January 2027 and 31 July 2027 (gov.uk).
- Your first MTD tax return, for 2026-27, due by 31 January 2028 (submit your tax return).
Clear labels on what is not yet law
The planner uses current 2026-27 rules by default. A 2027-28 preview is switched off unless you turn it on. Its rates are labelled "Announced, not in force", and anything not yet verified is shown as Uncertain and never used in a default calculation.
What will be in the download
- The Excel workbook, with Setup, Income Log, Expense Log, Quarterly Summary, SA and POA Planner, Rates and Thresholds, and Sources tabs.
- A filled copy with EXAMPLE DATA, and a blank copy.
- Works in Excel. Google Sheets: import the .xlsx; most features work.
- A ten-minute quick start.
Who it is for, and who it is not for
It is for landlords who let in their own name, who like spreadsheets, and who want their MTD records organised before they connect them to compatible software.
It is not MTD software. It does not send quarterly updates or tax returns, and it does not connect to HMRC. It is not tax advice, and it does not replace an accountant. MTD for Income Tax applies to individuals in Self Assessment, so it is not designed for lettings through a limited company.
FAQ
Do landlords need to use Making Tax Digital?
Yes, if your qualifying income from property and self-employment, before expenses, is over the threshold: £50,000 from 6 April 2026, £30,000 from 6 April 2027 and £20,000 from 6 April 2028. Our Making Tax Digital for landlords guide has the detail.
When does Making Tax Digital start for landlords?
It started on 6 April 2026 for qualifying income over £50,000. The lower thresholds are legislated to start on 6 April 2027 and 6 April 2028.
What is qualifying income?
Your total income from self-employment and property before expenses. Employment income, dividends, pensions and partnership shares do not count.
What about joint landlords?
Only your share of a jointly owned property's income counts towards your qualifying income. In the workbook you set your share for each property.
Does MTD for Income Tax apply to limited companies?
MTD for Income Tax is for individuals in Self Assessment, such as sole traders and landlords who let in their own name. If you let through a company, ask your accountant which rules apply.
Is this official HMRC software?
No. It is a record-keeping workbook made by Ashlar Ledger. HMRC does not provide software, and this workbook is not on HMRC's software lists.
Will it send my quarterly updates to HMRC?
No. It does not connect to HMRC or send anything. You will need compatible software, such as bridging software that links to your spreadsheet, to send updates and file your tax return.
Coming soon
The MTD Landlord Record Keeper is coming soon. Price and launch date to be announced. Email [email protected] to hear when it launches.
Weighing up a new purchase first? The buy-to-let yield calculator tests the numbers on a deal. It is part of the Landlord Starter Kit, which is sold separately from this record keeper. Back to home
Sold by Shane Stanford trading as Ashlar Ledger. This is not tax advice. Rates and dates checked against official sources on 10 November 2026.
Ashlar Ledger: figures you can build on.