MTD for VAT – Are You Ready For the Next Step?
Making Tax Digital for VAT became compulsory in April 2019 which means another important digital deadline is looming.
Not sure what is it or when it takes effect? Let us help you!
Digital Links
Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTDfV) is about keeping particular VAT records in digital form, and then sending your VAT return information to HMRC digitally. But if your digital records aren’t all in one place or one program, they will involve points of data transfer/exchange between different bits of software. The points where that transfer or exchange takes place are called digital links.
What’s Changing?
HMRC wants a digital trail using links from your accounting systems all the way to the figures on your VAT return. In other words, any transfer of information between software programs, applications or products that make up part of your records has to be electronic/digital.
Legal Requirement
Although required by law, HMRC hasn’t insisted on digital links for the first year of MTD for VAT.
Thereafter, subject to very specific exceptions, no manual links will be permitted and HMRC will enforce this with penalties if necessary.
When?
The new linking rules will apply from the first anniversary of when you were required to use MTDfV. For example, if your first MTDfV return was for the quarter beginning on 1 April 2019, the date is 1 April 2020.
Tip. If your affairs are really complicated please contact us.
What Will Be Allowed?
The following count as digital links: linked cells in spreadsheets; e-mailing a spreadsheet with digital records so the information can be imported into another software product; transferring digital records onto a pen drive or memory stick to give to someone else, e.g. your accountant, so they can import the data into their software. You’re also OK with XML, CSV import and export; download and upload of files; automated data transfer and API transfer. Cut or copy and paste will no longer be allowed as legitimate digital links.
HMRC will call time on its soft approach to digital links on 1 April 2020.
This will be enforced from the beginning of your first VAT period after that date.
Penalties can apply.
For further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 01237 472071 or [email protected]
UPDATED INFORMATION IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MTD FOR VAT