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MTD: Changes to HMRC guidance and procedure

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25th Jan 2019
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As we approach the go-live date for MTD for VAT, there has been an acceleration in new or revised HMRC guidance and procedures – three developments have emerged in the last month and there are more in the pipeline. 

As has been expected, on 18 January HMRC released a revised version of VAT Notice 700/22:Making Tax Digital for VAT, which corrects errors included in the original version.

It also contains a clarification of the soft landing period and examples of when the MTD rules start to apply for different businesses. HMRC has also altered the conditions for applying for the ASA.

Testing the turnover

The original version of VAT notice 700/22 implied that if the taxable turnover of the business had ever exceeded the VAT registration threshold, the business was required to enter the MTD regime from April 2019. This is not correct, as only the turnover for the 12 months ending immediately before the date of the turnover test should be considered.

The revised VAT notice 700/22 makes it clear that the MTD for VAT rules only apply from 1 April 2019, so 31 March 2019 is the earliest date on which the annual turnover level can be tested.

Notice 700/22 provides three examples of businesses with different start dates for MTD, which I’ve summarised as:

  • A Ltd is VAT registered with turnover above £85,000 and a VAT period that runs from 1 March to 31 May. A Ltd must comply with MTD for VAT from 1 June 2019.
  • B Ltd registers for VAT from 1 September 2019 as its taxable turnover for the 12 months to 31 July has exceeded £85,000. B Ltd must comply with MTD from 1 September 2019.
  • C Ltd has voluntarily registered for VAT, but its annual taxable turnover does not exceed £85,000 until November 2019. C Ltd must comply with MTD from its next VAT period which begins on or after 1 December 2019.

Note the difference between the time B Ltd and C Ltd have to prepare for MTD. As B was not previously VAT registered it has an extra month to inform HMRC and register for VAT. Depending on exactly when C’s VAT period starts, it may have a longer or shorter time to prepare for MTD filing.

Soft landing

HMRC refers to the period in which the rules for digital links won’t be enforced by the imposition of penalties as the “soft landing” (section 3.2.1.1 VAT Notice 700/22). This soft landing has the force of law – it is not due to the application of an HMRC concession.

For most businesses the soft landing period will run from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. However, if the business has been directed by HMRC’s letter that it has a deferred start date for MTD filing to the first VAT period beginning on or after 1 October 2019, the soft-landing for that business will run from 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020.

Note the soft landing only applies to waiving the conditions for digital links between software products within the accounting system. It does not apply to penalties which may be applied for not complying with the requirement to file the VAT return using MTD-compatible software. 

Exemptions from MTD

The text referring to other exemptions from MTD (section 2.2 VAT notice 700/22) has been changed very slightly. Referring to the grounds for exemption listed the Notice says “These may apply even if you are not currently exempt from online filing for VAT.”

This is a departure from the previous HMRC position, as it acknowledges that a person may not be able to meet all the MTD requirements even if the business (or its agent) currently manages to submit the VAT return online. 

During HMRC’s MTD webinar on 22 January, the presenter promised that further guidance regarding applying for an exemption from MTD would be issued by the end of this month.

ASA sign-up

In August 2018 John Stokdyk outlined the procedure for setting up an Agent Services Account (ASA), but in December 2018 HMRC added a new set of data to be provided before you can get an ASA for your firm.

In addition to the details of the firm’s UTR number, you must now enter the details of your firm’s money laundering supervisory body, your firm’s membership number with that body, and the date on which your money laundering supervision expires.

Most accountants and tax advisers will be supervised for the anti-money laundering regulations by their professional body. Accountants who are not supervised by a professional body should be registered directly with HMRC for money laundering supervision.

This is unlikely to be the end of the changes to the MTD procedures, and to the ASA in particular. We will keep you informed as further changes come to light.

Replies (46)

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the sea otter
By memyself-eye
25th Jan 2019 14:12

What is it now...68 days to go?
Oh no, that's Brexit: another HMG almighty [***] up.

Why would anyone sign up for this MTD garbage (that's an Americanism y'all) at the moment?

Madness

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By John Stone
25th Jan 2019 14:16

Rebecca - Just to remind you. HMRC promised details of the exemption application procedure by the end of November...........then December - now January. There are obvious jokes about HMRC meeting or not meeting its own deadlines but I will pass on them for now.

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Replying to John Stone:
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By david.bransbury
25th Jan 2019 17:38

The speakers on the HMRC webinar this week were saying that they are not expecting many more taxpayers to be exempted for age, disability and remoteness. They even said if a taxpayer can use the old portal they can cope with MTD for VAT.

HMRC have stopped being warm and cuddly regarding MTD.

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Replying to david.bransbury:
Tornado
By Tornado
25th Jan 2019 22:07

'HMRC have stopped being warm and cuddly regarding MTD'

Yes indeed. The realisation that it will not work is making them nervously aggressive.

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Replying to Tornado:
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By david.bransbury
26th Jan 2019 12:51

Precisely MTD for VAT cannot be ignored due it is not happening or that HMRC will be kind and gentle to those that don't follow the rules.

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By GHarr497688
25th Jan 2019 16:13

No promised letters - No promised exemption guidance - No reply to my emails - Helpline not answered - No concise guidance to the new system. No joke for me .

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Chris M
By mr. mischief
26th Jan 2019 12:47

Quite simply the worst systems implementation I have seen in my 30 year career.

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Replying to mr. mischief:
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By GHarr497688
26th Jan 2019 16:22

and mine in 40 years !

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Replying to GHarr497688:
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By johnjenkins
28th Jan 2019 11:11

and mine in 54. Come on there has to be a 60 out there.

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Replying to johnjenkins:
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By The Accountant
28th Jan 2019 15:19

Sorry - only 43 !

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Replying to The Accountant:
Tornado
By Tornado
28th Jan 2019 15:35

47 and counting. There might be worse to come though.

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By Homeworker
28th Jan 2019 10:12

"Referring to the grounds for exemption listed the Notice says “These may apply even if you are not currently exempt from online filing for VAT.”"

So does this mean my 70+ year old client with commercial lettings and over the VAT threshold, who keeps all of his records in a big handwritten book and does not own a computer will now be able to claim exemption, rather than dumping all of this in my lap?

It would be really great to know now and not in April!

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Replying to Homeworker:
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By johnjenkins
28th Jan 2019 11:16

I presume that if you're doing it for him now that will set a precedent. You've got to try for exemption then you will know.

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Replying to johnjenkins:
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By Homeworker
28th Jan 2019 18:04

johnjenkins wrote:

I presume that if you're doing it for him now that will set a precedent. You've got to try for exemption then you will know.


Yes, but how do we apply... and surely me doing everything for him does not comply with the legislation (though I suspect this is the inevitable solution for many clients!)?
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Replying to Homeworker:
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By johnjenkins
29th Jan 2019 09:58

I presume you do everything for him now, so what's the difference. Is it that you don't want to get involved in MTD?
I took the view that the clients we do everything for now we will continue to do so and other clients that don't have software we have put onto VT. Although I love spreadsheets we have purposely steered away from them with MTD.
Like Tornado I'm still of the opinion that MTD will not become compulsory on 1/4/19.

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By raju m
28th Jan 2019 10:36

HMRC have not got a clue about how it is going to work. But, their bosses and politicians are too proud to admit it and give up. Instead they will blame businesses and clobber them with penalties in future.

Raju

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Replying to raju m:
Tornado
By Tornado
28th Jan 2019 22:21

"Instead they will blame businesses and clobber them with penalties in future."

It is one thing to impose penalties, but a completely different matter to make people pay. There is also the appeal process to pursue in the meantime.

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By Malcolm McFarlin
28th Jan 2019 10:50

Can anyone define taxable turnover for me? For instance, a current VAT registered business had a VAT exclusive turnover of £75K in the preceding 12 months but its VAT inclusive turnover is £90K. Would that make a business exempt from MTD?

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Replying to Malcolm McFarlin:
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By johnjenkins
28th Jan 2019 11:13

No

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Replying to Malcolm McFarlin:
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By petestar1969
28th Jan 2019 11:18

Malcolm McFarlin wrote:

Can anyone define taxable turnover for me? For instance, a current VAT registered business had a VAT exclusive turnover of £75K in the preceding 12 months but its VAT inclusive turnover is £90K. Would that make a business exempt from MTD?


Taxable turnover means exclusive of VAT, so that would be exempt.
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By Ian McTernan CTA
28th Jan 2019 11:14

ASA (or as it should be known, [***]) is a complete waste of time.

I already have an HMRC agent account- why did they come up with this stupid idea of an ASA ([***]).

Coupled to which it just doesn't function and you can't even see who has signed up without looking at your MTD compliant software. You tell it to transfer all your clients. Next time you log in, nothing there. What is the point of it???

And I can count on one finger the number of clients who have their own tax account with HMRC- as not a single one of them are even remotely interested, as they see NO benefit at all.

When are HMRC going to realise taxpayers don't want yet more rubbish to deal with, it's why they appoint us so they can concentrate on running their businesses!

My post January time will now be spent explaining to people who have ZERO interest all about MTD and why they now have to use MTD compliant software despite managing perfectly well without any for many years- oh and it will cost them money and time and my fees will also be going up as well as one off costs of explaining all these completely useless additions which won't help them make any money.

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By North East Accountant
28th Jan 2019 11:28

Hopefully HMRC are not as bad with MTD as the ICO was with GDPR.

The last version of the ICO guide for GDPR I downloaded was version number 229 in august 2018.

Just like Brexit, MTD is an implementation shambles.

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By Malcolm McFarlin
28th Jan 2019 12:28

Yikes -already a division on the meaning of taxable turnover. Any more thoughts?

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By itp3e
28th Jan 2019 12:29

@/memyself-eye

..." almighty [***] up...."

Having lived a virginally sheltered existence I have never come across a three letter expletive ...can you elucidate please? is it perchance ...... [MTD] ??

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Replying to itp3e:
Tornado
By Tornado
28th Jan 2019 12:34

Client - Your bill is too large
Me - MTD Off

It sort of works

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By JFair
28th Jan 2019 12:40

The clarification and re-issue of the VAT notice regarding the “ever exceeded” VAT threshold does not surprise me at all, but it makes me very angry.
I called HMRC VAT helpline on this very topic on 14 Jan, just 4 days prior to the update, regarding my client who’s VAT turnover has dropped below registration level in just last 12 months to 31 Dec 2018, and will be even less for 12 months to 31 March 2019, but who wishes to remain voluntarily VAT registered (he is a claimer). I was categorically told he will still have to be included in MTD VAT filing, I explained I was reading it that quite possibly he was outside the rule and wanted to be certain, but the agent was emphatic he had to be in MTD for VAT after 1 April 2019.
I’m an agent for only a handful of SE clients (work semi-part-time) and by the 1 April 2019 will only have one VAT registered limited company, I’m a pretty low earner less then £10k. So was already getting extremely stressed about the whole MTD VAT process. I made that call fully expecting I might not need to worry about this, but as a result of the helpline I then signed up with SAGE so I could start the process. That was an expense I could have done without, and now to find I did not need to have made that commitment.
Further-more to then find I need a whole new agent account, which I got half way through only to find I needed the MLR registration details before I could complete, which I then had to sign up for costing me £230! Only to now find out this might take months to come through. The whole thing will have cost me about £500.
To now find I probably did not need to do anything at all for this one client until MTD for Corporation Tax finally arrives makes me furious. I don’t mind the new digital challenges (even at 65 and in process of winding down towards retirement) and even the cost of investment, provided it is totally necessary! But now it seems to me I’ve probably done all of this unnecessarily, what a waste of my time and finances through others incompetence.

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Replying to JFair:
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By johnjenkins
28th Jan 2019 12:55

Welcome to our world.

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Replying to JFair:
Tornado
By Tornado
28th Jan 2019 13:00

My thanks go to you and the others that have tried to embrace MTD for VAT but been knocked back regularly by a system that is not yet fit for purpose.

I have done my bit in the past, so I have nothing to feel guilty about, but I am now a 'waiter'. I wait until everything is working correctly before joining in, and that point has not yet arrived. That does not mean that I do not have plans for myself and my clients, I do, but they will be implemented if and when the system is ready.

I am still 100% sure that MTD for VAT will not be mandatory from 1st April 2019 ..... HMRC simply will not be ready.

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Replying to Tornado:
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By JFair
28th Jan 2019 13:09

Thank you all for comments, I think I shall either become a waiter like Tornado - or maybe give it all up and become a waiter in local cafe! Oh for a simple life eh!
What would we do without accounting web to have a rant - we'd all think we'd gone mad.

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Replying to Tornado:
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By johnjenkins
28th Jan 2019 13:19

I know quite a few people and yet not one has said to me "this VAT for MTD is working". Most can't get registered. Is there anyone out there that is fully up and running with VAT for MTD and has no problems?

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Replying to johnjenkins:
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By johnhemming
28th Jan 2019 14:23

I am personally fully up and running with MTD and have no problems for two VAT numbers (one for a Ltd Company and the other for a Partnership). I also dealt with a monthly submitter this morning who is fully up and running with MTD and said "I am very happy with the process" and they also have no problems. (I do know of others as well).

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Replying to johnhemming:
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By nodrogbir
28th Jan 2019 15:44

As the Hol said to HMRC you seem to be alone with your confidence, also I note you seem to be looking for business using Aweb. I am sure you mean well.....

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Replying to nodrogbir:
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By johnhemming
28th Jan 2019 15:48

It isn't so much confidence as experience.

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Replying to nodrogbir:
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By Echo761
01st Feb 2019 11:43
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Replying to Echo761:
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By johnjenkins
04th Feb 2019 13:14

So true.

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By North East Accountant
29th Jan 2019 09:45

Good luck anyone using excel when HMRC require full transaction details.

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By ColinNibbs
29th Jan 2019 12:10

I simply cannot be bothered with this, so I am retiring earlier than I would normally retire.

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Replying to ColinNibbs:
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By johnjenkins
29th Jan 2019 12:53

How many times have you normally retired before, Colin?

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By User deleted
08th Feb 2019 17:38

I am just a small bookkeeper Agent and really so confused with all this. I have only 1 VAT client, so now have to go out and get software so I can submit digitally, financially when a small agent it hits hard. I still have no idea what software to use. I currently use a stand alone Sage 50 software that is years old, everything I have looked at just seems so time consuming, so any suggestions on a good multi company bookkeeping software that is not too expensive would be welcome. Also my VAT client has not received any notifications at all from HMRC. I still have not set up my new Agents Services Account just tried again and its down with maintenance services.? And what is this new addition that I now also have to sign up for Money Laundering Supervision and pay the crazy fees to HMRC. I am starting to think it is not worthwhile to carry on my small little business as I cannot pass all these costs on over the few clients I have.

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Replying to User deleted:
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By JFair
21st Feb 2019 11:57

Sue, like you I am only small, I have just 2 VAT clients. You can see from my earlier post the problems & expense I have incurred - the 230 I paid for the MLR registration (100 one off fee plus the 130 annual fee) has now increased to 270 as I just had to pay a further 40 for the fit & proper test.

Apparently I ticked a wrong box and the application halted until I paid this further 40 for them to make sure I'm Fit & Proper to be doing the job.

Regarding software, I suggest you talk to Sage, I used to use them years ago, I looked at all the others including bridging (I use Excel) but decided that was not for me. So as at least I used to know what I was doing with Sage, I called them. They did a fair deal on the 10 client Sage50 Cloud (MTD ready for when I finally get signed up!). As I only needed it for 2 clients and basic stuff (instead of the normal 10 client option) they reduced it and restricted it to keep cost down for me. It is still a monthly outlay I could have done without. But I'm actually loving it now and once I get registered etc. for MTD VAT can see it will be so easy. No long term commitment either, a rolling monthly contract.

My biggest gripe with the whole fiasco is not in the digitising itself but with the way HMRC have implemented and informed. Absolutely dreadful info & help, just try putting - MTD Checklist - into google, you'd expect HMRC to be at the top! Sorry but HMRC do not even list on the first page, only software and professional bodies! That says it all - I do so hope HMRC are reading these posts.

If you then change your search to - MTD Checklist HMRC - their info and support for software providers/developers takes centre stage! So what does that tell you about how important we are to them.

HMRC ought to be at TOP of the search list with a clear, concise full blown CHECKLIST for MTD, where are the promised letters, what about a proper TV campaign and a dedicated HELPLINE. Something so important which is affecting every business and accountancy firm in the country. But it hits those like us with low income and at the bottom so much more than larger firms, it really does make you feel like giving up - but hang on in there this is your livelihood!

Whoever was responsible for the setting up, the marketing of the schemes, the web info, the non-existent dedicated MTD help-line, lack of training at the VAT office etc. etc. should be SACKED immediately as clearly they have no idea of the day to day workings of business in this country and have not done their job.

I've had to piece all my info together from multiple sources (the HMRC info is extensive once you find it, but it is not always clear nor clear cut, and had to be amended recently as unclear points lead to misinformation) and so we are left just hoping we are doing the right things, in the right order. I would like to thank Olivia at HMRC AMLS helpline tel 03000513131 who was very patient with me in explaining issue with my application, I finally feel like I'm gradually getting there - until the next hick-up hits me!

Considering (like many of you other small one man or woman agents out there) that we've been submitting VAT, SE, CT etc. to HMRC on paper or online for so many years, you have to wonder why we suddenly need a new account set up (how difficult to just transfer our existing ones?) and to prove we are F&P to continue, but most of all why we should be paying them for us to do their job defies all logic?

BUT warning if you don't set up with AMLS and the new gateway account, you will find yourself unable to submit any MTD returns, and therefore be unable to continue to work for your clients.

As the good citizens of the UK, who have been working with clients and HMRC for years, surely we could be trusted to report any suspicious activity, whether clients or otherwise, without such dramatic and drastic measures, particularly when many of us are so small. It is to defeat terrorism and money laundering, so we are told, but 100% if I had a hint of anything I'd not need a registration costing more than a weeks wages for me to do the right thing anyway, and I'm sure that goes for all of us.

I simply see AMLS registration as just another tax (fortunately it is tax deductable, but what a joke!) with MTD for VAT allowing the software suppliers to rub their hands together.

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Replying to JFair:
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By User deleted
28th Feb 2019 17:11

Many thanks for that reply I feel I have a kindred Spirit going through the same as me. I know next year (supposedly all the self assessment ones will have to move to MTD), that is going to be a nightmare!
Out of curiosity what sort of price did you pay for sage and how many companies does that allow you at present.
I am currently thinking of using some sort of bridging software as my VAT client informs me he might go out of business, so dont want to go to expense I might not need. Although Sage is sounding good. thanks

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Replying to User deleted:
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By JFair
01st Mar 2019 09:07

Hi Sue, about £20 month for basic module but limited to just 2 clients. (Normally £60 for 10) and I can add on for minimal cost more if necessary. It is a rolling contract so anytime you want to cancel (if client closes down) you can with month notice. I looked at bridging and decided not ideal. I'm looking to pass on my biggest VAT client to a larger firm in a couple of months so ideal for me. For future and SA SE Partnerships etc. I'm going to keep an eye on what Andica are doing with software, I've found them ideal for my Corp Tax & Partnership returns in the past and cost effective.
I just don't think the administrative and financial "hit" we smaller agents are taking is at all fair, I don't think they even considered us in the whole process and yet we make up a significant and important sector, especially for lower earning and smaller/simpler tax clients who cannot afford or justify large accountancy fees.

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Replying to JFair:
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By User deleted
28th Feb 2019 17:15

I did after much mucking about manage to get my registration in for AMLS at a cost of £270... too expensive, I cannot continue my Government Gateway until that comes through but finally at least started after weeks of being unable to be recognised when submitting, but sorted that out and paid my money. Not sure how long it all takes and hope they dont fine me.

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Replying to User deleted:
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By JFair
01st Mar 2019 09:10

Keep an eye on your emails, they keep sending me requests for more info or amendments to application! Absolute pain, it is as if they don't really want the likes of us small tax agents to even be in business, after all the years we have been at the back-bone of things, shame on HMRC & the Gov.

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Replying to JFair:
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By johnjenkins
01st Mar 2019 12:01

Of course HMRC don't want one man band self-employed or Ltd Companies. They want everyone on PAYE. This is what MTD for the self-employed is all about. Quarterly updates, which will eventually be monthly with tax being paid by the 19th. There is no other reason for it.

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By User deleted
06th Mar 2019 11:25

As a small agent with some of my CIS clients paying anywhere between £100 - £260 per annum I cannot justify an extra £100-120 on top of that for MTD, it is just crazy, something will give as my clients will not pay the extra and yet they wont do themselves.

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