By David Owens
Hawsons Chartered Accountants
MAKING Tax Digital (MTD) will commence in April 2019 under the current Government timetable. Initially, this will only be for VAT purposes, with the wider roll out of MTD having been delayed until the system has been shown to work well for VAT and not before April 2020 at the earliest.
What is Making Tax Digital?
MTD is the biggest shake-up of the tax system in 20 years and will fundamentally change the way taxpayers report to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and keep their business records. Taxpayers will be required to keep records digitally and generally update HMRC more frequently than is currently the case.
When is MTD being introduced for VAT purposes?
MTD will be introduced for VAT in April 2019.
The implementation of MTD for other taxes has been delayed until at least 2020.
How will it work?
From April 2019 VAT registered businesses with a turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000) will be required to:
* keep VAT records digitally, and
* submit VAT returns using MTD compatible software.
Digital record keeping
VAT records will need to be kept digitally using ‘functional compatible software’, including:
* your business name, address, VAT registration number, and any VAT accounting schemes you use,
* the time and value of each supply made and the VAT rate charged,
* the time and value of each supply received and the amount of input VAT you will recover,
* the amount of any adjustments or corrections,
* the VAT account audit trail between your business records and VAT return
* The digital records must be kept for at least six years (or 10 years if you use VATMOSS).
MTD compatible software
You will be required to use a third-party software programme which can connect with HMRC’s systems via the Application Programme Interfaces (API) platform. HMRC will not be offering software.
If you wish to continue to keep books and records on spreadsheets, you will need to use third party bridging software to convert this information into a format that is compatible with HMRC’s API platform.
How do I prepare for MTD?
It is vital that businesses start to prepare for MTD now.
You should consider whether your current system of record keeping will meet the requirements of MTD for VAT. If all or part of your VAT records are currently kept on paper, you will need to consider how best to digitise your records.
You will need to ensure that the software you are using to submit your VAT returns is MTD compatible.
How can we help?
We can help you to review your current VAT record keeping arrangements and identify the changes that will be necessary to comply with the requirements of MTD.
You may wish to consider utilising cloud-based accounting software and many of our clients are already enjoying the benefits of this. At Hawsons we are experienced in the use of the accounting packages marketed by the major cloud providers, such as Quickbooks, Xero, Sage and Freeagent. We can assist you in your choice of software, help you to set this up, and offer training for you and your staff.
These packages can allow you to capture receipts and payments from your bank account directly, use your Smartphone to photograph expenses and have this information filed straight into your accounts, keep track of your accounts 24/7, and easily create quotes and invoices for your customers.
We would be happy to give you a demonstration of how cloud accounting software can help your business.
If you wish to discuss the implications of MTD for you and your business, get in touch with David Owens at Hawsons Chartered Accountants on 01604 645600 or by email