Getting UK Landlord Compliance Wrong in 2026 Will Cost You Thousands
The 2026/27 tax year is a minefield. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD ITSA) goes LIVE from 6 April 2026 for any landlord with over £50,000 in gross property income (Finance Act 2024, s. 10). This demands quarterly digital updates and perfect records.
And MTD is just the start. The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database is coming, Section 24 continues to hammer higher-rate taxpayers, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 aren't just for letting agents anymore.
For a deeper look at the rules, check out our MTD quarterly guide or our complete landlord compliance guides.
PaTMa vs Fineproof: The Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
As you look at this table, think about your own setup. How big is your portfolio? Are you a sole landlord or running an SPV? What are your non-negotiable compliance priorities?
| Feature | PaTMa | Fineproof |
|---|---|---|
| Property Dashboard | ✅ | ✅ |
| Income & Expense Tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bank Feeds (Open Banking) | Basic (live feeds) | ✅ |
| Receipt Scanning | ❌ | ✅ |
| MTD ITSA Submission (Direct HMRC) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Section 24 Calculation & Tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| PRS Database Readiness | Limited | ✅ (Proactive tracking) |
| AML Tenant Verification | ❌ | ✅ |
| EPC Tracking & Improvement Plans | Basic tracking | ✅ (Deeper analysis) |
| Certificate Vault & Reminders | ✅ | ✅ |
| SPV/Ltd Company Support | ✅ | Planned |
MTD ITSA: Both Platforms Help You Dodge HMRC's Penalty Points
Miss just one quarterly MTD deadline and you're in trouble. HMRC's penalty points system ramps up to £200 fixed fines. The good news? Both PaTMa and Fineproof integrate directly with HMRC, submitting your quarterly updates and the End of Period Statement.
PaTMa has been on the MTD train for a while; its integration is solid and well-tested. Fineproof also provides a full MTD ITSA solution. Both will keep HMRC happy.
Section 24: How Both Tools Tackle the Tax Headache
Section 24 (Finance (No. 2) Act 2015) stops individual landlords from deducting finance costs like mortgage interest. Instead, you get a 20% tax credit. Both PaTMa and Fineproof track your finance costs separately and calculate the 20% tax credit — essential for an accurate Self Assessment.
SPV Support: PaTMa Currently Leads for Limited Company Landlords
Running your portfolio through an SPV? The wrong software can wreck your Corporation Tax return. Right now, PaTMa has solid support for limited company landlords, with features designed for corporate accounts.
Fineproof doesn't have this yet. Support for SPVs and limited companies is on the roadmap, but it's not here today. We believe in being upfront about that.
AML Checks: The Hidden Risk Fineproof Helps You Manage
The Money Laundering Regulations 2017 carry massive fines. These rules mostly hit letting agents, but direct landlords aren't always in the clear.
- Fineproof: Built-in AML tenant verification. Run checks right inside the software.
- PaTMa: No integrated AML checks. You'll need a separate third-party service.
For more, see our guide on AML checks for landlords or the official AML regulations for property.
Bank Feeds & Receipt Scanning: Fineproof Automates the Boring Stuff
With MTD ITSA demanding digital records, manual data entry is a recipe for mistakes. Fineproof connects to your bank with Open Banking for automatic bank feeds and includes receipt scanning that links images directly to transactions.
PaTMa now offers basic live bank feeds too, which is a step forward. But Fineproof's implementation goes further with smarter matching. PaTMa doesn't offer receipt scanning, so you're still managing your paper trail separately.
Looking Ahead: PRS Database & New EPC Rules
The PRS Database is coming out of the Renters (Reform) Bill — you'll need to register every property. Fineproof is already building features to get you ready.
On EPC rules: under the Warm Homes Plan (confirmed January 2026), all rental properties must achieve a minimum Band C by 1 October 2030. The old 2025/2028 proposals were scrapped. Fineproof lets you monitor ratings, flag properties that need work, and track upgrade plans. PaTMa tracks certificates and sends expiry reminders, but Fineproof's approach is more forward-looking.
Pricing: What's the Best Value?
| Feature | PaTMa | Fineproof |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | 1 property | 14-day free trial |
| Paid plans from | ~£10/mo (5 units) | £39/mo (Portfolio, 10 properties) |
| MTD submission | ✅ | ✅ |
| SPV support | ✅ | Planned |
| AML checks | ❌ | ✅ |
| Receipt scanning | ❌ | ✅ |
| PRS readiness | Limited | ✅ |
What's 'good value' depends on what features you'll actually use. Don't forget to factor in the time saved by automation.
Verdict: Fineproof for All-in-One Compliance, PaTMa for the SPV Niche
PaTMa's biggest strengths are its excellent SPV/limited company support and its solid MTD integration. This makes it the go-to for corporate landlords or anyone whose main focus is nailing their tax compliance.
Fineproof offers a much wider, all-in-one compliance package. It covers MTD, AML, in-depth EPC tracking, and gets you ready for the PRS Database. Throw in the automation from bank feeds and receipt scanning, and you've got a more complete toolkit.
If SPV support is your number one priority and you're okay with manual bookkeeping, PaTMa is a great choice. But if you want a single tool that automates your finances and covers all your regulatory bases — now and in the future — Fineproof has the more powerful toolkit.
One dashboard. Four mandates. Zero gaps.
Fineproof covers MTD, PRS, AML, and EPC in a single tool — with bank feeds and receipt scanning built in.
Start your 14-day free trialNo credit card required. Cancel anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PaTMa submit MTD returns directly to HMRC?
Yes. PaTMa has direct HMRC integration for MTD ITSA, including quarterly updates and the End of Period Statement. This is one of its genuine strengths.
Does PaTMa support limited company (SPV) landlords?
Yes. PaTMa has built-in support for limited company landlords. This is an area where Fineproof is still catching up — SPV support is planned but not yet available.
What does Fineproof offer that PaTMa doesn't?
Fineproof includes built-in AML tenant checks, deeper EPC tracking with upgrade planning, receipt scanning, and proactive PRS Database readiness features.
Does PaTMa have bank feeds?
PaTMa now offers basic live bank feeds. Fineproof's implementation goes further with smarter auto-categorisation and receipt scanning linked directly to transactions.
How much does PaTMa cost compared to Fineproof?
PaTMa offers a free plan for one property, with paid plans from about £10/month for up to 5 units. Fineproof starts at £39/month (Portfolio plan, up to 10 properties) with a 14-day free trial. The best value depends on whether you need SPV support (PaTMa) or broader compliance coverage (Fineproof).
This article is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute tax or legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on GOV.UK and speak to a qualified tax adviser about your specific situation.