Welcome to the May 2019 Newsletter from Beatons Group

The EU recently granted the UK government a 'flexible extension' of Article 50, pushing so-called 'Brexit Day', the day that the UK officially leaves the bloc, to 31 October 2019. Business groups have urged politicians to 'urgently agree on a way forward'.

Meanwhile, the government's Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTD for VAT) initiative came into effect on 1 April. MTD for VAT fundamentally changes the way in which businesses keep VAT records and submit VAT returns. Firms with a taxable turnover above the VAT registration threshold (currently £85,000) are now required to comply with the MTD for VAT rules.

MTD for VAT takes effect for over one million businesses

On 1 April, the government's Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTD for VAT) initiative came into effect.

Businesses which have a taxable turnover above the VAT registration threshold (currently £85,000) are now required to comply with MTD for VAT. As part of the initiative, firms must keep some records digitally, using 'functional compatible software'. This means a 'software program or set of compatible software programs which can connect to HMRC systems via an Application Programming Interface (API)'.

Commenting on the scheme, Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: 'Delivering MTD for VAT is the first step toward our ambition to create one of the most digitally advanced tax authorities in the world.

'The rules . . . will give businesses more control over their finances, allowing them to spend their time focusing on innovation, growth and the creation of jobs.'

Meanwhile, Theresa Middleton, Director of the MTD for Business programme, said: 'Tens of thousands have joined our pilot over the last six months and have helped us to test and improve the live service, ensuring we have the right support in place to help people transition.

'Now is the time for those businesses affected by MTD who haven't done so already to begin preparing to switch over and start experiencing the benefits MTD has to offer. You don't necessarily need to sign up from day one, but you do need to make sure you're keeping your records digitally for your next VAT period which starts on or after 1 April.'

Our latest Hot Topic answers some of your key MTD for VAT questions – this can be found here.

Government commits to implementation of pensions dashboard initiative

The government has confirmed that it intends to implement its proposed pensions dashboard initiative, which will allow those saving for retirement to view information from multiple pensions in one place.

According to the government, pensions dashboards will 'open up pensions to millions', and 'provide an easy-to-access online view of a saver's pensions'. It stated that pensions dashboards will be implemented using a 'phased approach', and that they will operate using a 'find and view' system.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that it intends to put forward primary legislation that will 'require pension schemes to make consumers' data available to them through their chosen dashboard'.

'The government's commitment to compel pension schemes to share data with platforms through primary legislation is particularly welcome,' said Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

'Some urgency is now required, and we question the three to four-year timeframe for schemes to prepare data for dashboards. Hopefully once the Brexit impasse is resolved we can move back to addressing more critical domestic issues like this one, not least the UK's late payment crisis, the spiralling costs of doing business and a regressive business rates regime.'

ESSENTIAL TAX DATES FOR MAY

3 May
Deadline for submitting P46 (car) for employees whose car/fuel benefits changed during the quarter to 5 April 2019.

19 May
PAYE, Student loan and CIS deductions are due for the month to 5 May 2019.

31 May
Deadline for forms P60 for 2018/19 to be issued to employees.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

'It is perhaps unsurprising that the Levy is viewed by many as an extra tax that complicates learning and development.'

Richard Chaplin, Chief Executive of the Managing Partners' Forum, commenting on the Forum's call for the government to simplify the Apprenticeship Levy.

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH

www.businesscomparison.com

Allows businesses to easily compare prices for a range of services.

ON OUR WEBSITE

A wealth of resources for businesses
With topics ranging from corporation tax to the Criminal Finances Act 2017, the Your Business section of our site is a hub of essential information.

Useful information for individuals
For a comprehensive bank of guides covering capital gains tax, Venture Capital Trusts and much more, please visit the Your Money area of our website.

Survey reveals businesses 'investing significantly in tax technology'
A survey carried out by Thomson Reuters has revealed that businesses are investing significant amounts in new tax technology, such as Making Tax Digital (MTD) software.
Click here for the full story

Business groups react to 'flexible extension' of Article 50
Business groups, including the British Chambers of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry, have reacted to the six-month 'flexible' extension of Article 50, granted to the UK by EU leaders.
Click here for the full story

IMF downgrades global growth forecast
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded its global growth forecast for 2019 to its 'lowest level' since the financial crisis.
Click here for the full story

Business leaders urged to 'do more' to help prevent cyber-attacks
Following the publication of the government's 2019 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, business leaders are being urged to 'do more' to protect their firms from cyber-attacks and cybercrime.
Click here for the full story

Government delays probate fees rise
The government has delayed its planned increase in probate fees.
Click here for the full story