MTD Software for Landlords: 4 HMRC-Recognised Tools Compared

By Jorge Ruete Veramendi · Last updated 8 November 2026

In short: HMRC recognises 169 Making Tax Digital tools, and 139 of them support rental income. Only 89 of those also file your year-end tax return, so check that before you choose. For one property, a free plan from Clear Books or Sage covers both. For several properties, Landlord Vision is built for landlords.

How we built this shortlist: every fact comes from HMRC's official software finder and each provider's own website, checked on 8 November 2026. Hands-on testing with our public method is in progress, so we don't award a "top pick" yet.

What we found in HMRC’s list of 169 tools

We analysed every tool in HMRC’s official software finder for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. HMRC shows the tools in random order and doesn’t recommend any of them.

The biggest trap is the tax return. A tool that only sends quarterly updates leaves landlords without a way to submit their final tax return through the same software.

Landlord Vision: best for landlords with several properties

Landlord Vision is property management and accounting software built for UK landlords. HMRC lists Landlord Vision as recognised for quarterly updates and the tax return, for UK property, foreign property and self-employment.

• Price: the Starter plan costs £7.99 a month + VAT for up to 4 tenancies, with a 60% discount for the first 2 years. After the discount, the price appears to be £19.97 a month + VAT.
• Free trial: 2 weeks on every plan. There is no free plan.
• Watch out: budget for the full price after the 2-year discount.

Clear Books: best free option for one property

Clear Books is UK accounting software with dedicated Making Tax Digital plans. HMRC lists Clear Books Free as recognised for quarterly updates and the tax return.

• Price: the Property Free plan costs nothing and covers one property (or properties grouped together). The paid Property plan costs £5 a month + VAT.
• No card needed to start the free plan.
• Watch out: the free plan is designed for a single property.

Sage: best for landlords who also have a side business

Sage is one of the UK’s largest accounting software providers. HMRC lists Sage Sole Trader & Landlord Free as a free, recognised tool for quarterly updates and the tax return, covering UK property and self-employment.

• Price: a free version exists. We are still checking the price of the paid plan.
• Watch out: HMRC doesn’t list foreign property income for Sage’s sole trader and landlord tools.

Landlord Studio: quarterly updates only

Landlord Studio is a property management app for landlords. HMRC lists Landlord Studio as recognised for quarterly updates only, not the tax return.

• Price: the MTD Go plan is free for up to 3 properties, but each MTD submission costs £5 + VAT. The Pro plan costs £12 a month + VAT, with free MTD submissions.
• Watch out: at the end of the tax year, you would need a second tool to submit your tax return.

How to choose MTD software as a landlord

1. Count your properties. One property often fits a free plan. Several properties usually need landlord-specific features.
2. Check the tax return. Make sure the software files your year-end tax return, not just quarterly updates.
3. Check the real price. Look for VAT, per-submission fees and introductory discounts that end.
4. Check your other income. If you are also self-employed or have foreign property, choose a tool that supports every income source you have.
5. Start early. Use a free plan or trial before your first quarter, so you can switch if the tool doesn’t suit you.

Not sure whether Making Tax Digital applies to you yet? Read our guide to Making Tax Digital for landlords.

This is general information, not tax advice. Check the official guidance on GOV.UK or speak to a qualified accountant about your situation.