A significant component of the UK government’s Tax Administration Strategy is Making Tax Digital (MTD). It mandates that companies and individuals use MTD-compatible software and maintain digital records in order to simplify and improve the efficiency of tax filings for both groups of people. Since April 2019, MTD has been in place for VAT; it will be expanded to Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) beginning in April 2023 and Corporation Tax beginning in April 2026. We will look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of MTD for various parties in this blog article.
Advantages
- MTD can help companies manage their tax matters more efficiently by removing frequent mistakes. Recent independent research, commissioned by HMRC, found that 69% of companies reported receiving at least one advantage from MTD for VAT. The survey included more than 2,000 businesses. Improved accuracy, less paperwork, higher output, better cash flow management, and simpler conformance are a few of these advantages.
- It reduces the risk of errors and penalties by using software that calculates tax automatically. This means that businesses and individuals can avoid mistakes such as entering incorrect figures, missing deadlines, or forgetting to claim allowances. By using MTD-compatible software, taxpayers can also save time and money on accounting and administration tasks.
- One of the benefits of MTD is that it helps business owners plan ahead for their tax liabilities by providing real-time information on their tax position. This means that businesses can see how much tax they owe at any point in time and avoid any surprises or penalties at the end of the year. MTD also reduces the risk of errors and mistakes in tax returns, as it allows businesses to keep digital records and submit them directly to HMRC through compatible software.
- Individuals can use MTD to help them get their taxes correct and stay on top of their finances. Individuals can view their tax details online at any time, from any location, by using MTD-compatible software. They can also send their tax returns more quickly and safely, without having to fill out multiple forms or wait for printed statements.
- It allows you to keep digital records of your income and expenses, and submit tax updates to HMRC online at least every quarter. This means you can avoid the stress of filing annual tax returns and have a more accurate view of your tax position throughout the year. MTD saves you time and hassle by enabling you to focus on the important stuff: running your business and growing your income.
- MTD can assist HMRC in closing the tax deficit by making it more difficult for individuals to under-report or over-claim their taxes. HMRC can enhance its customer service and compliance operations by gaining access to more precise and timely data from digital documents and software.
Disadvantages
- Businesses that are not accustomed to using software or maintaining digital documents may find MTD to be challenging. To meet MTD standards, they might need to make an investment in new equipment or undergo training. Additionally, changing to MTD-compatible systems or procedures may present some challenges for them.
- Individuals may face difficulties with MTD if they are uncomfortable with technology or have restricted online access. They may need to seek assistance from third parties such as accountants or representatives to submit their tax reports under MTD. They may also face some privacy or security risks if they do not use dependable software or correctly secure their data.
- One of the further challenges of moving to Making Tax Digital (MTD) is the initial cost and effort of switching to MTD-compatible software and learning how to use it. Businesses that already use accounting software may need to upgrade or purchase new software that can connect to HMRC’s systems and submit VAT returns digitally. Businesses that do not use accounting software may need to invest in new software and hardware, as well as training for staff and advisers. The cost and effort of switching to MTD-compatible software will vary depending on the size and complexity of the business, the type and number of transactions, and the existing level of digital skills.
- MTD can also offer some risks for HMRC if it is not implemented successfully or efficiently. It may experience some technological issues or glitches in its systems or software, which could impact service performance or data integrity. It may also encounter opposition or reaction from taxpayers dissatisfied with the changes brought about by MTD.
- The need to work digitally and maintain an audit trail of all transactions. This means that businesses have to keep accurate and complete records of every sale and purchase, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Furthermore, they have to ensure that their data is secure and compliant with data protection laws, which can pose additional challenges and risks.
To conclude, MTD is a significant change that seeks to modernize the UK taxation system for the digital era. For the various tax parties engaged, it has both benefits and drawbacks. While it has many advantages, including increased output, decreased paperwork, better cash flow management, simpler compliance, etc., it also has drawbacks, including higher costs, complexity, and trouble switching systems/processes. Thus, it is crucial for both businesses and people to comprehend what MTD implies for them and how to appropriately prepare for it. Additionally, it is crucial for HMRC to guarantee a seamless transfer and top-notch support for its clients under MTD. If you need more help or advice on MTD or any other accounting services, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted accountant. You can visit [BACKLINK HERE] for more information on accounting services.
