The Ultimate Guide to VAT MTD: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
Value-added tax (VAT) is a tax that is added to goods and services sold in the UK. It is a complex tax, and managing VAT can be a challenge for businesses. HMRC has introduced Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT, which requires businesses to maintain digital records and submit VAT returns electronically. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about VAT MTD, including what it is, who is affected, the benefits of MTD for VAT, and how to comply with MTD for VAT.
What is MTD for VAT?
MTD for VAT is an initiative by HMRC that requires businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £85,000) to maintain digital records and submit VAT returns electronically. The purpose of MTD for VAT is to make it easier for businesses to manage their VAT and to improve the accuracy of VAT returns.
Who is affected by MTD for VAT?
MTD for VAT applies to businesses with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold. This includes:
Businesses that are registered for VAT
Businesses that are voluntarily registered for VAT
Charities
Public sector organizations
What are the benefits of MTD for VAT?
The benefits of MTD for VAT include:
Improved accuracy - MTD for VAT reduces the risk of errors in VAT returns by requiring businesses to maintain digital records and submit VAT returns electronically.
Time-saving - MTD for VAT streamlines the VAT process by allowing businesses to manage their VAT digitally, which saves time and effort.
Better visibility - MTD for VAT gives businesses better visibility of their VAT liabilities and payments.
How to comply with MTD for VAT?
To comply with MTD for VAT, businesses must:
Keep digital records
Businesses must keep digital records of all VAT transactions. This includes:
The business's name, address, and VAT registration number
The VAT invoices the business issues
The VAT invoices the business receives
The amounts of VAT the business owes and is owed
The total sales and purchases of the business
Submit VAT returns electronically
Businesses must submit VAT returns electronically through HMRC's online portal or MTD-compatible software. The VAT return must include the total VAT due, the amount of VAT the business owes, and the amount of VAT the business is owed.
Use MTD-compatible software
Businesses must use MTD-compatible software to maintain digital records and submit VAT returns electronically. MTD-compatible software must meet HMRC's requirements and be able to communicate with HMRC's systems.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with MTD for VAT?
Businesses that fail to comply with MTD for VAT may face penalties. The penalty for late submission of VAT returns is £100, and the penalty for late payment of VAT is a percentage of the VAT owed. Businesses that do not keep digital records may also face penalties.
Our top picks for MTD-compatible software
QuickBooks
QuickBooks is a cloud-based accounting software that offers MTD-compatible features for VAT. It allows businesses to keep digital records, submit VAT returns electronically, and estimate their VAT liability. QuickBooks is also easy to use and offers a range of other accounting features.
Xero
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that offers MTD-compatible features for VAT. It allows businesses to keep digital records, submit VAT returns electronically, and automate their VAT calculations. Xero is also easy to use and offers a range of other accounting features.
Conclusion:
Sage Business Cloud Accounting is a cloud-based accounting software that offers MTD-compatible features for VAT. It allows businesses to keep digital records, submit VAT returns electronically, and automate their VAT calculations. Sage Business Cloud Accounting is of other accounting features.