What’s the Making Tax Digital verdict?
By now, a lot of businesses will have adopted the digital approach of submitting their VAT to HMRC. If you haven’t made the switch to digital bookkeeping yet, please do not panic! We’re here to help you break it down.
In summary…
Making Tax Digital (MTD) means that it is now – or very soon will be – compulsory to use a digital bookkeeping system for submitting tax to HMRC.
The idea is that you choose a digital, cloud-based, software for your bookkeeping which, in turn, allows you to submit your tax return at the click of a button.
Alternatively, you use an agent who uses MTD-compliant software with access to your accounts so that everyone is using the same system, has the same information and is essentially singing from the same hymn sheet.
Some snazzy accountants, including Mazuma, even have their own app that helps you keep on top of your books and paperwork in real time, which makes the entire digital process much easier.
The updated deadline for Making Tax Digital
Because the UK government has been a little preoccupied with Coronavirus and Brexit, HMRC won’t be enforcing MTD for any new taxes or businesses right now. This means that it’s likely April 2024 will be the earliest start date for income tax returns to be compliant with MTD. That’s good news because it gives everyone a little bit more time to get on board.
That said, it’s really worth setting yourself up ahead of the deadline. And here’s why…
Why Making Tax Digital is better for everyone
Efficiency
Feeling protective over your current bookkeeping system is understandable, especially if you’ve been using it for years. It might be scary to think about switching over to a new system and feel like you’re starting all over again when you’re so efficient with the current system. This is where an accountant or bookkeeper can prove extremely useful.
When it comes to Making Tax Digital, using an online accountant is ideal. You won’t have to worry about compliance, because they’ll handle it all for you. When it comes to submitting your taxes quarterly, which is likely to happen – using a reliable accountant will give you peace of mind and ensure that your business is compliant and won’t face any fines.
Ease of use
Whichever software you end up choosing, you can be reassured that it has been tried, tested and tweaked to make for the best user experience. Cloud-based bookkeeping is literally designed to be logical, simple and (dare we say?!) enjoyable to use.
Most (if not all) will have a swish looking dashboard that displays a quick overview of what’s going on at any given moment; the ins and outs, bank balance, outstanding payments and so on. Of course, if this is something you don’t want to spend your time on, you can always use an accountant to sort this for you.
Accuracy
The digital systems required by Making Tax Digital ensure everything is calculated electronically, avoiding human error. As long as you log everything as and when it happens, you can sit back and relax while the software works its magic. Everything is accounted for using one system .
By avoiding mistakes, in theory, this should also mean fewer dealings with anything tricky from the folks at HMRC.
Making Tax Digital is happening, and there’s no way around it!
Whether you opt to do it yourself with a HMRC-approved software, or by outsourcing your accounts to a reliable accounting company, Making Tax Digital provides an opportunity to simplify your finances, and regain some clarity and control of your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
To become compliant with MTD, you need to use government approved software to record your accounts and submit your finances to HMRC. You can refer to HMRC’s software search tool to find out more, or you can use a reliable accountant who already uses MTD compliant software - like Mazuma - to sort it all for you. We know what we’d rather do!
Yes - we use software that is compliant with Making Tax Digital. If you don’t want the stress or worry or setting up a new digital system, contact us today to see how we can ensure that your accounts are compliant with MTD.
Keeping digital records is a core aspect of Making Tax Digital. From now on you will need to keep your records in a digital format, stored on a computer or in the cloud. If you use handwritten invoices or receipts then you'll have to transfer that accounting information into MTD compliant software before you submit your returns (or get your accountant to do it for you!).
Keeping digital records doesn’t mean you don’t have to keep original paperwork. Quite the opposite, in fact. Original paperwork still needs to be stored as it could be required by HMRC in the event of a tax or VAT investigation. For most businesses, it means keeping paperwork for at least six years, though for many (VAT MOSS) it is a minimum of 10 years. HMRC will accept digital copies of receipts and invoices, so you could scan documents and store them to save on storage space in the office. But who has time for that?
Something we pride ourselves on at Mazuma is digitising records for our clients who don't want to use our app or their own MTD compliant software. If you prefer more traditional methods or are perhaps a little sceptical of a more digital future, you can send us all of your paperwork. We’ll scan and digitise it for you, saving you a lot of admin hassle and keeping you completely compliant with current and future MTD rules.
- You can reclaim any VAT that you're charged for when you pay for goods or services. The VAT you pay could end up being more than the VAT you collect from your customers, which means you can receive the difference back from HMRC, thereby saving you some money.
- If you have many business customers, they can claim back the VAT you charge (providing they're also VAT registered), saving them money and ensuring you look more attractive than a non VAT registered firm.
- If you know your business is growing rapidly and you're nearing the threshold, it can be worthwhile registering early rather than later. That way, you're prepared for changes and you can adapt on your terms.
- It also looks good in the eyes of other businesses and clients. You look like a serious contender within your field. And potentially one that has a much higher turnover than you do in reality.
Yes, if you are VAT registered and your turnover is above £85,000, then the rules apply - it doesn’t matter if you’re a sole trader or a limited company! And eventually it is likely to apply to all businesses with a turnover over £10,000 as well as most individuals who submit tax returns - such as the self employed and landlords.
