HMRC is Making Tax Digital in 2022 - Here's everything you need to know

What is Making Tax Digital?

Making Tax Digital is an initiative the government have introduced to improve the way UK business tax is managed. It involves moving all pen-and-paper tax returns online.

What tax changes have happened so far for VAT-registered businesses?

Since April 2019, VAT-registered businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000) have needed to keep VAT records digitally and send returns using Making Tax Digital (MTD) compatible software.

What changes came into effect on 6th April 2022?

From 6th April‌‌‌ ‌2022, all VAT-registered businesses (including those with a taxable turnover below the VAT threshold) will need to store their VAT records digitally and send returns using Making Tax Digital (MTD) compatible software.

I manage a UK business, what do I need to do to make my tax digital?

For starters, you’ll need compatible accounting software to submit your VAT records to HMRC online. Popular options include Xero, Quickbooks and Sage. Alternatively, you can also submit your digital tax records as basic spreadsheets, as long as you use a bridging software like Zapier. 

After you’ve chosen your software, head to gov.uk and sign up for ‘Making Tax Digital for VAT’. When you sign up, you’ll need your:

• Business email address
• Government Gateway user ID and password
• VAT registration number
• Latest VAT return

So gather this info first. 

And if you don’t have a Government Gateway user ID / password  yet, that’s fine, you can create them via this link too and bring your tax online at the same time.

How can I find out more information about Making Tax Digital from HMRC?

Join HMRC’s live webinar about ‘Making Tax Digital for VAT’ on Thursday 21st April 11.45am-12.45pm BST. This webinar will summarise what’s changing for UK businesses, explain how to keep digital records and provide you with basic training on the new tax return software. You’ll need to use this software to submit your digital records online each year going forward.

During the webinar, you’ll be able to ask questions using the on-screen text box and get live responses from HMRC.

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