Preparing Your Landlord Clients for MTD: 6 Top Communication Tips for Practices
To get landlord clients ready for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax, the most important thing they need from their accountant is clear communication. Many landlords find switching to digital record-keeping intimidating, and some are still unclear about what MTD means for them practically.
1. Start the Conversation Early
The best support you can offer is to begin discussing MTD now. Although not everyone will be affected immediately, early awareness helps avoid last-minute panic as the deadline nears. Send a simple, clear message to all landlord clients outlining what MTD involves, key dates, and its impact on them.
2. Offer Reassurance and Support
Make it clear that you will guide them through every step—from confirming eligibility to choosing the right software. Being proactive shows your clients that you are managing the MTD process and ready to assist with the transition.
3. Use Ready-Made Resources
FreeAgent provides useful MTD email templates to help you initiate these important conversations smoothly.
4. Expect Mixed Reactions
It's no surprise clients may not welcome MTD for Income Tax enthusiastically at first. However, it is crucial they all understand its requirements and deadlines.
"The biggest favour you can do for your landlord clients is to start talking about MTD now."
"Emphasise that you’ll be supporting them through each stage of the transition: from understanding eligibility to adopting the right software."
Clear communication builds landlord clients’ confidence and ensures they are well-prepared ahead of the MTD deadline.
Summary: Effective early communication and ongoing support are essential to help landlord clients understand and smoothly transition to MTD for Income Tax requirements.
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