HMRC quarterly updates for landlords explained
The most important thing to understand: a quarterly update is not a tax payment.
It's a data submission — a summary of your income and expenses for that quarter. No money changes hands. You're simply reporting figures to HMRC so they can build a real-time picture of your income.
What is a quarterly update?
A quarterly update is a digital submission to HMRC covering a three-month period. It contains your total rental income and categorised allowable expenses for that quarter. The UK tax year runs April to April, so there are four submissions per year.
What does a quarterly update contain?
Each update includes:
- Total rental income received
- Repairs and maintenance costs
- Financial costs (including mortgage interest under Section 24)
- Premises running costs (utilities, insurance)
- Professional fees (accountant, solicitor)
- Travel costs to the property
- Other allowable expenses
When are quarterly updates due?
| Quarter | Period | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 6 April – 5 July | 5 August |
| Q2 | 6 July – 5 October | 5 November |
| Q3 | 6 October – 5 January | 5 February |
| Q4 | 6 January – 5 April | 5 May |
| Final Declaration | Full tax year | 31 January |
You can submit early — there's no penalty for submitting before the deadline.
How to submit a quarterly update
Log income and expenses as you go
Throughout the quarter, record each rent payment and allowable expense in your MTD software. This takes a few minutes per transaction.
Review your quarterly summary
Before the deadline, review your totals to make sure everything is recorded correctly.
Submit to HMRC
Lettd submits directly to HMRC via the official MTD API. You get a confirmation reference for your records.
What happens after you submit?
HMRC receives your data and updates their records. You receive a confirmation reference. No tax is due at this point — tax liability is calculated through Payments on Account and settled via your Final Declaration in January.
If you made a mistake, you can amend a submission. Lettd will flag any corrections needed.
Common concerns
Do I need to do all four submissions myself?
Lettd handles the submission automatically once you confirm your quarterly figures. You just need to keep your records up to date throughout the quarter.
What if I have multiple properties?
All your properties are consolidated into a single quarterly update. You track them separately in Lettd, but they submit as one.
Can my accountant submit for me?
Yes, if you authorise them. But many landlords find it straightforward enough to do themselves using Lettd.
Ready to make quarterly updates simple?
Lettd guides you through every step — from logging your first transaction to submitting with one click.
Get started freeFrequently asked questions
Do quarterly updates create a tax bill?
No. A quarterly update is informational only. It tells HMRC your income and expenses for that period. Your actual tax liability is calculated and settled through your Final Declaration in January.
What if I have nothing to report for a quarter?
You still need to submit — a nil return is required. Lettd makes this easy with a one-click submission for quarters with no activity.
Can I submit early?
Yes. There is no restriction on submitting before the deadline, and no penalty for early submission.
What replaces the self-assessment return?
The Final Declaration, submitted by 31 January, replaces the Self Assessment return for your property income. Your other income (PAYE, pensions, etc.) may still require a Self Assessment.