More than a third of entrepreneurs use outdated financial record keeping procedures
From April 2022, all VAT registered companies will need to keep digital records, so millions are at risk of non-compliance unless they familiarise themselves before reforms
More than two million SME owners are at risk of falling foul of new digital bookkeeping rules and procedures ahead of the Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT reform coming into force in 2022, research finds.
The Boom or Bust report by The Accountancy Partnership revealed that more than a third (37%) of entrepreneurs use paper-based systems or a collection of photos to keep track of their finances, with one in 10 storing essential documents in an old shoebox or drawer.
As part of HMRC’s efforts to become one of the world’s most digitally advanced tax administrations and to make tax easier for business owners, digital tax records will be mandatory for all VAT registered businesses from 1st April 2022.
Lee Murphy, managing director at The Accountancy Partnership, said: “In this day and age, there are so many excellent digital record-keeping options available to business owners and freelancers that keeping paper or spreadsheet-based records should be a thing of the past. Records kept digitally will give SMEs a much clearer, accurate and more up-to-date picture of their finances and tax owed, which is why HMRC is going to enforce it from next year.”
As well as digital records, Making Tax Digital will require tax returns to be submitted every three months, as opposed to the current annual tax return. Over the next five years, MTD will expand to include income tax and corporation tax, as well as VAT.
Lee continued: “Our research shows that the new system is going to force millions of business owners to significantly change the way they keep their records, and if they are unfamiliar with procedures they could be at risk of fines once the new rules are in place.
“I would advise anyone who uses paper-based filing, spreadsheets or notes and photos on their phone to start acquainting themselves with digital procedures as soon as possible so they have grips on it before it is mandatory.
“Not only will this ensure future compliance, but it will also encourage entrepreneurs to keep better track of their expenses, which could bring tax benefits. Two-fifths of business owners say they have failed to claim expenses due to lost receipts and invoices, but digital record keeping will encourage people to stay on top of expenses, minimising the risk of losing receipts between tax returns.”
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.