When you set up RentalBux, you'll be asked to choose your subscription type. Here's what each option means, how it affects you, and how to pick the right one.
Why This Matters?
Your subscription type isn't just a label — it determines how RentalBux calculates your tax, how your MTD submissions are structured, and what features you'll need. Picking the right one from the start means everything works correctly from day one.
If you're not sure, read through the options below. Most landlords fall clearly into one category.
Individual and Joint Ownership
Choose this if:
You own one or more rental properties in your own name, and you're the sole owner, or you own properties with someone else, typically a spouse, civil partner, or family member.
How it works in RentalBux:
Private Landlord | Joint Ownership |
|---|---|
All rental income and expenses are attributed entirely to you. Your MTD submissions go under your personal HMRC Government Gateway account. Section 24 mortgage interest restrictions apply to you. | You add the co-owner to the property and set the profit-sharing ratio (for example, 50/50, 60/40, or 75/25). RentalBux automatically divides all income and expenses according to that ratio. Each owner gets their own MTD submissions based on their share. |
Tax implications:
Private Landlord | Joint Ownership |
|---|---|
Your rental profit is added to your other personal income and taxed at your marginal income tax rate (basic, higher, or additional rate). | Each owner is taxed only on their share of the profit, at their own personal tax rate. This can be beneficial if one partner is a lower-rate taxpayer. |
Sole Trader
Choose this if:
You're self-employed (running a business)
This is for users who have self-employment income (from your trade or business)
How it works in RentalBux:
You'll set up both an income source for your self-employment. You add invoices or bills for your business or connect your bank account. Your MTD submissions go under your personal HMRC Government Gateway account.
Tax implications:
Your self-employment profit is added to your other personal income and taxed at your marginal income tax rate (basic, higher, or additional rate).
Landlord + Self-Employed
Choose this if:
You're self-employed (running a business) AND you also have rental property income.
This is for landlords who have two types of income that fall under MTD: self-employment income (from your trade or business) and property income (from rents). Both need to be reported through MTD, and RentalBux can handle them together.
How it works in RentalBux:
You'll set up separate income sources: one for your self-employment and one for your property income. RentalBux keeps the two income sources separately in your accounts but combines them when calculating your total MTD obligations.
Tax implications:
Both your self-employment profit and your rental profit are added to your personal income and taxed together. You can claim allowable expenses against each separately.
Note: If you're only self-employed and don't have rental income, RentalBux still works for you — just set up the self-employment income source and skip the property module.
Partnership/LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
Choose this if:
Your rental properties are owned through a Limited Liability Partnership.
LLPs are less common for rental landlords but do exist, particularly in larger property investment structures.
How it works in RentalBux:
The LLP's income and expenses are tracked centrally, but each partner's share is calculated separately for their individual MTD filing. RentalBux handles the allocation based on the partnership profit-sharing agreement.
Tax implications:
Partners in an LLP are taxed individually on their share of the partnership's profit. The LLP itself doesn't pay income tax.
Limited Company
Choose this if:
Your rental properties are owned through a limited company (Ltd).
Many landlords have moved properties into limited companies for tax efficiency.
How it works in RentalBux:
RentalBux tracks income and expenses for the company's properties. Note that Making Tax Digital for Corporation Tax has a different timeline and requirements than MTD for Income Tax. Speak with someone at RentalBux for more information on guidance about your situation.
Tax implications:
The company pays Corporation Tax on its profits (currently 25% for profits over £250,000, with a lower small profits rate). If you then take money out as dividends, you'll pay dividend tax personally. This structure can be more tax-efficient for higher-rate taxpayers but involves more administration.
Section 24 does not apply to limited companies. Companies can deduct the full amount of mortgage interest from their profits.
Decision Flowchart
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you own your rental properties personally (not through a company)?
Yes → Choose Landlord
No, they're in a limited company → Choose Limited Company
No, they're in an LLP → Choose LLP
Do you own any properties with someone else?
Yes → Choose Landlord
No → Go to question 3
Are you also self-employed (aside from being a landlord)?
Yes → Choose Landlord + Self Employed
No → Choose Landlord
Are you just self-employed?
Yes → Choose elf Employed
No → Go to question 3
Can I Change My Subscription Type Later?
No. If your circumstances change — for example, you acquire a limited company in addition to being a landlord or take on a co-owner — you can additionally subscribe to a Limited Company profile from the ‘addons’ section,
Some changes may require adjusting your income sources. If you're unsure about making a change, contact RentalBux support or ask your accountant.
Still Not Sure?
If none of the above fits neatly, or if your situation is unusual, there are two things you can do:
Ask your accountant. They'll know your tax structure and can tell you which type to select.
Book a demo. The RentalBux team can help you figure out the right setup during a free demo call.