HMRC are now seeking participants for the Making tax Digital for Business VAT live pilot which is scheduled to begin in April 2018. If you wish to express an interest in participating in the trial, see further details below and then contact HMRC at makingtaxdigital.mailbox@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. At present, HMRC are limiting the number of participants in the trial.

“The Government is changing the way VAT Registered businesses create and submit VAT Returns. This is part of the wider Government Agenda to transform the tax system into a modern digital one, making it easier for businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their affairs.

HMRC need the support of businesses to test and help shape the system before it is rolled out more widely.

The pilot will start in April 2018, with the chosen businesses submitting their VAT returns using this new system. HMRC will monitor the progress of VAT returns to ensure the system is working as expected before the new service is opened more widely.

All you need to do is submit your VAT return using the new system. You’ll have access to plenty of help if you need it and will be able to check you’re doing things right as you go along.

What are the benefits of taking part?

• The way businesses like yours submit their VAT returns is changing; taking part in this pilot means you’ll be ahead of the game.
• You will be able to get used to the new system at your own pace, have access to more support and get to practise using the service before it becomes mandatory.
• HMRC will personally keep you up to date with what is happening as the service develops and how it affects you.
• You also get an opportunity to influence how the service looks and feels.
• Finally you’ll have enhanced reassurance with immediate access to check if you are doing things right or need clarification.

Will my business be under greater scrutiny if I take part?

No – any monitoring is for testing purposes only, there are no additional compliance checks. Returns successfully submitted through the new system will undergo the same checks as they were submitted through the current system.

What if I sign up and then decide I no longer want to take part?

As this is a new system, there may be some technical hiccups. HMRC has promised to do its best to address these swiftly, but if for whatever reason you find you no longer want to take part in the trial, you are free to leave at any time.

What exactly is the change that is taking place?

• VAT Registered Businesses with a turnover above the VAT threshold will be obliged to maintain their business records digitally and submit their VAT Return through a new system.
• Any VAT return with an accounting period that starts on or after 1 April 2019, is affected.

Please contact HMRC if you are willing to take part. They will then get in touch with you and ask you to complete a short survey which will help them establish specific features about your business in order to manage the trial period better.

HMRC will check with you what software you use, and will know when it will be ready, so you won’t be asked to join before then. Even if you don’t use software at the minute, HMRC advise that, for the duration of the pilot, they will work with a suitable supplier to ensure you have access.”

END OF HMRC INVITE