A Guide to Making Tax Digital (MTD)

With the pandemic streaming at its height, the UK’s economy was adequately locked down to protect the NHS, and there was no other option than to be digital. So millions worked from home, shopped online, and got socialised more virtually, and it became a new normal. Moreover, now the tax processes are being modernised with the help of making tax digital. 

Also, it has been an everlasting priority for the government. It was first announced in the year 2015. However, in 2020, a ten-year tactic was announced for building a trusted, modern tax administration system. 

It is the most suitable method to make things easier for people to pay tax whenever they require. It also tends to reduce the probable errors and help overcome fraud, abuse, or piracy. Above all, it enhances productivity too. Let’s get into the depth of the new digital tax initiative and complete guidance about the Tax Digital Guidance. 

An Insight About Making Tax Digital

HMRC making tax digital plans mainly involve the small businesses and the self-employed to complete the digital tax records and the returns to turn completely paperless. According to HMRC, MTD depicts how the delivery makes it easier for individuals. The businesses are necessary and how to get the tax right and keep on the top of the affairs. 

A personal tax account was brought into practice by HMRC in the year 2015, which is a digital tax account that aims to make things easier for people to manage their tax affairs. The first phase of MTD occurs in the year 2019, which makes the Tax Digital for VAT. It involves keeping the digital records and accounting software to complete the VAT tax returns. Aso, the maintenance of the paper record will not meet any of the needs of the tax legislation.

Making Tax Digital Guidelines

MRC is on the edge of introducing the making tax digital in a slow process. Making the Tax Digital for VAT has been initiated from 1 April 2019, which affects the VAT registered businesses with the help of the taxable turnover above the VAT threshold of 85 thousand pounds. Aso, the VAT- noted companies need to coordinate with making tax digital for VAT from April 2022. So from April 2024, self-assessment taxpayers need to be pro with making tax digital for income tax. Though it was initially scheduled for April 2021, the government has decided to introduce it asap to allow the businesses much more to prepare for the challenges of the pandemic. 

Making Tax Digital Perspectives:

April 2019: VAT registered businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold of around 85 thousand pounds need to keep the digital records and get involved in submitting the digital VAT returns using the compatible software. More complex businesses were also given a six-month deferral.

October 2019: More of the complex businesses deferred need to comply with making tax digital.

April 2022: MTD ensures that it is necessary for businesses with a turnover below the 85 thousand pounds VAT threshold.

April 2024: MTD will help the taxpayers to file the income tax Self-assessments for the business or the property income of more than ten thousand pounds a year.

On the edge of Making Tax Digital Software

Businesses will rewire using compatible software to ensure digital tax returns. The digital records mainly do not have to be on one piece software, but according to HMRC, one must have links between the software you use by the first VAT period after 1 April 2021. One can link the software, including emailing records, connecting the cells in the spreadsheets, and downloading and uploading the files. 

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