Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a UK government initiative aimed at modernizing the tax system by requiring businesses and individuals to keep digital records and submit tax returns using compatible software.
Digital Record Keeping: Businesses and individuals must maintain their accounting records digitally (i.e., no paper ledgers).
- Compatible Software: Submissions must be made using MTD-compliant software that can communicate with HMRC’s systems.
- Quarterly Updates: Instead of filing one annual return, businesses may be required to send updates to HMRC every quarter.
Who Does It Apply To?
- VAT-registered businesses over the VAT threshold (£90,000 from April 2024) must follow MTD rules for VAT.
- Smaller VAT-registered businesses (under the threshold) can voluntarily join but will be required to comply eventually.
- MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) is set to roll out from April 2026 for self-employed people and landlords with income over £50,000 (over £30,000 from April 2027).