One week to go until HMRC makes tax digital for VAT

There is just one week to go until Making Tax Digital for VAT is introduced for more than a million businesses.

More than 3,000 businesses are now signing up every day to experience a more integrated approach to business and tax.

For VAT periods starting from 1 April 2019, most businesses above the VAT threshold will need to keep their records digitally and submit their VAT return using MTD-compatible software.

Almost 1.2 million businesses will be affected by MTD, first announced in 2015, which will make it easier for them to get their tax right. HMRC is urging businesses to get ready now and has written to every business that will be mandated with information on what they should do and how.

Over 70,000 businesses have already signed up to the new service and research in December showed 83 per cent of those familiar with MTD had already started to prepare.

Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

“In a world where businesses are already banking, paying bills and shopping online, it is important that the tax system moves into the 21st century.

“Making Tax Digital gives businesses more control over their finances, allowing them to spend their time focusing on innovation, growth and the creation of jobs.”

Theresa Middleton, Director of the Making Tax Digital for Business Programme, said:

“There are over 220 software products for businesses to choose from at a range of prices, including free ones, offering different levels of functionality.

“I’d urge any business affected by MTD to start preparing now, and to join the thousands of others who are already experiencing the benefits MTD has to offer.”

Marco Forgione, CEO of the British Antique Dealers Association, said:

“I urge all affected businesses to make a start on MTD immediately. There are many very simple solutions available to make the process of filing really simple.

“Making Tax Digital will help our members to streamline record keeping, ease the submission of returns and reduce the chances of an error or oversight. The process is straightforward and efficient.”

What do businesses need to do?

Accountants or other tax representatives will already be aware of MTD and will advise businesses how and when they need to make changes to be ready for the new service.

Those already using software will simply need to ensure it’s MTD-compatible then sign up to the new service and authorise their software for MTD.

For those who are not using an accountant or don’t currently use software, it is quick and easy to sign up and there is lots of information available to help them prepare, including about what software is available.

• Take steps to find out if your business is affected by the Making Tax Digital changes and what you need to do if it is. Most businesses above the VAT threshold have to start keeping their records digitally and sending their VAT return to HMRC direct from their software for VAT periods starting on or after 1 April.
• Talk to your accountant or agent – if you use one to manage your VAT affairs - about how they are making returns MTD-compliant.
• Speak to your software provider if you already use software to ensure it will be compatible.
• Those businesses that are either not represented by an accountant and/or do not already use software will need to select software to use and sign up to MTD, then authorise their new software for MTD. Our GOV.UK webpages provide information on a wide variety of products, from free software for businesses with more straightforward tax affairs, to increasingly sophisticated paid solutions. There are also products that can be used in conjunction with a spreadsheet for those businesses that don’t want to change their underlying record keeping system.

MTD is part of the government’s #SmarterGov campaign which was launched to drive innovation through the public sector.

Easy to use guides for businesses, agents and others including easy-to-follow advice are available here and Webinars and videos for Making Tax Digital are available here

The Making Tax Digital myth buster is here

MTD is part of the government’s #Smartergov campaign which was launched to drive innovation through the public sector.

Notes for editors

1. HMRC recognises that businesses will require time to become familiar with the new requirements of MTD. During the first year of mandation,we will not issue filing or record keeping penalties where businesses are doing their best to comply with MTD. However, sanctions will remain possible in cases of deliberate non-compliance, and in order to safeguard VAT revenue.
2. No business will be forced to go digital for their VAT returns if they are unable to. Anyone who is already exempt from online filing of VAT will remain so under MTD and there is further provision for those who cannot adapt to the new service due to age, disability, location or religion to apply for an exemption.
3. Those businesses that are registered for VAT but are below the VAT threshold are also not required to use the MTD service, but can choose to do so.
4. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice