Making Tax Digital: Search Interest for Term Hits Record High Ahead of April Start Date

Google searches for Making Tax Digital peaked at their highest recorded level in UK history last month.

According to data on Google Trends, the index score for the term "Making Tax Digital" reached 100 on 10 February 2026. This is a surge of nearly 614% from December 2025, reflecting how many taxpayers across the UK are now starting to turn their attention to MTD.

For landlords and sole traders who earned above £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, MTD and all its requirements will become mandatory from April 2026, i.e., next Month. Perhaps this is why people are scrambling to collect information on the topic.

Who Are Landlords & Sole Traders Looking Up Making Tax Digital?

Because Making Tax Digital (MTD) will come into implementation from next month. The April 2026 start date has been on the horizon for years. But, it is now starting to feel real and feel pressing for landlords and self-employed individuals across the UK.

It is to be noted though that MTD for Income Tax does not change how tax is calculated. Instead, it changes how often financial data is reported to HMRC and through what means.

Landlords who are used to filing one annual Self Assessment Tax Return are now being asked to file four quarterly updates and one Final Declaration, adopt HMRC-recognised software and restructure their entire record-keeping. Landlords juggling property income with other income sources face the sharpest adjustment.

How Much Will It Cost to Comply With MTD?

HMRC's own impact assessment puts a number on what MTD for IT will cost landlords entering the scheme from April 2026:

These HMRC figures are likely conservative for landlords who currently rely on an accountant to manage their tax affairs. Where the accountant's workload increases to accommodate four quarterly submissions plus the final declaration, fees will follow.

Quarterly Reporting Under MTD for IT: What Changes & What Doesn't

Each quarter, landlords in scope, currently those with an annual income of over £50,000 from property and self-employed income, must submit a summary of income and expenditure to HMRC through an MTD-compatible software. The first submission period begins in April 2026.

What those submissions do not do is equally important to understand. HMRC does not process quarterly updates in real time. No interim tax calculation is issued. No tax becomes due earlier than it otherwise would. Liability is still determined at the end of the tax year through the Final Declaration, which replaces the current Self Assessment Tax Return. Submitting quarterly changes the reporting frequency. It does not change the tax outcome.

MTD-Compatible Software: What Software Should We Choose & How?

The full list of HMRC-recognised software on GOV.UK includes platforms ranging from full accounting platforms to dedicated landlord tools. But not every product on the list supports every MTD feature. Some cover quarterly updates only. Others include the Final Declaration submission. A small number covers bridging from spreadsheets for landlords who want to retain their existing record-keeping format.

Before committing to a product, confirm it supports both quarterly updates and the Final Declaration. HMRC has published an online questionnaire tool on GOV.UK that generates a personalised software shortlist based on your specific situation. Landlords using an accountant should also confirm which software their accountant is working with. Using incompatible systems creates unnecessary duplication.

But for landlords seeking maximum MTD convenience, RentalBux is the right choice!

MTD Compliance Checklist for Landlords

For landlords above £50,000 who have not yet taken any steps toward MTD compliance, the priority order to follow is:

Landlords in the £30,000 to £50,000 band are not required to comply until April 2027. The extra year is worth using for software selection, data migration and adjusting to property income reporting process changes.

Conclusion

The record search volumes for Making Tax Digital in early 2026 reflect that most landlords in scope are late. The transitional costs are confirmed, the software choices are live, and quarterly reporting begins in a matter of weeks. The question now is not whether to comply, but how quickly the remaining steps can be completed.

If you need support establishing your MTD obligations, selecting compliant software, or managing quarterly submissions going forward, our specialist Making Tax Digital team can help.