What to do now if you are not ready for Making Tax Digital

Hillier Hopkins LLP

Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisers

Call +44 (0)330 024 3200 and discover how we can help you.

As MTD for all VAT registered businesses makes its final approach, there will inevitably be some that haven’t taken steps to get ready for this significant change to the way they file their VAT.

In a nutshell…

If you currently file your VAT returns using the HMRC portal and are VAT registered, you will not be able to use this portal from 1 April 2022.  If this is you, and you haven’t done anything about it yet – what can you do now to minimise your chances of missing your deadline and incurring penalties?

Notify HMRC now if you are exempt

There are a few exemptions to MTD but HMRC will assume you are in unless you notify them of your exemption before your mandatory start date, which is from 1 April 2022.

Check for software upgrades

If you currently use accounting software you should check what upgrades they are providing as not all software developers are providing a solution for MTD. Check if there are any associated costs of an upgrade as these can run into the thousands of pounds.

Consider bridging software

If your accounting software isn’t providing a solution, or if you currently use a spreadsheet based accounting system, then you will need to use something called “bridging software”. This is a very simple and low cost way of digitally filing your VAT return with HMRC. Your accountant may be able to provide a solution so speak to them in the first instance. If they can’t help, there are others on the market but do make sure that it is fully MTD compliant by checking the software list on the HMRC website.

Hillier Hopkins offers an MTD compliant bridging software solution called VAT Controller. Many clients are choosing this as a quick and straightforward way of complying with MTD.

Take action now

“With only a few weeks months, time is limited to get ready. Some businesses are choosing to use bridging software now as an affordable short term fix before investing significant time and money upgrading their accounting system later.”. Ruth Corkin, VAT and Indirect Tax Advisory.

One more thing….

If you file monthly returns and pay your VAT by direct debit. Then there are only 2 days in May set up your MTD filing account and they are 15th and 16th May – put them in your diary now!

Not sure if you are affected by MTD? Go to the MTD Checker on the Hillier Hopkins website or contact us 0330 094 8450 or email mtd@hhllp.co.uk and our VAT and MTD Team would be happy to help.

Do you need extra information?

Ruth Corkin - Prinicipal - VAT and Indirect Tax Advisory at Hillier Hopkins

Ruth has been involved with VAT for over 30 years. She started her VAT career as a Customs and Excise Officer in Essex and then moved into consultancy with a variety of well-known accountancy firms. She is well known in the VAT world and is the proud author of many articles and technical works.

Contact Ruth at ruth.corkin@hhllp.co.uk or on +44 (0)1908 713860

Based at the following office - Milton Keynes, Watford and London