From the 1st April 2019, all VAT registered businesses with a turnover greater than the VAT threshold must keep their VAT records electronically. VAT returns must also be electronic and HMRC do not allow manual copying of the return data to HMRC's systems. All transfers from your electronic VAT records must be electronic.
Having to electronically transfer the data is problematical for spreadsheets and in house systems. mtdvatbridge.uk can be used to submit your VAT returns electronically if you are using a spreadsheet or an in house developed system. mtdvatbridge.uk is exactly that - it forms an electronic bridge between your spreadsheet/system and HMRC's system allowing you to upload your return data without having to manually copy it.
mtdvatbridge.uk accepts spreadsheet data, CSV formatted data and also plain text formatted interchange data. Once you have your spreadsheet prepared, it is a simple task to upload it to mtdvatbridge.uk and make the return.
See the About Page for further information.
mtdvatbridge.uk allows you to continue using your existing system to make your VAT returns. You do not need to go out and buy a new accounting package or pay a monthly subscription for an accounting app.
The VAT returns must also be filed electronically and there must be no manual copying of data between forms.HMRC have altered the the Fraud Prevention specification. This release is to (hopefully) better align mtdvatbridge.uk with the requirements of the fraud prevention specification.
This is likely to change - some issues have been raised with HMRC and awaiting their response.
Also fixed a minor bug in the login process - it gave a misleading error message. Also added a bit of javascript to get the timezone of the browser - another HMRC Fraud Prevention requirementimposition.
Today, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has confirmed that Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT will be extended to all VAT registered businesses with turnover below the VAT threshold (£85,000) from April 2022, and from April 2023 to taxpayers who file Income Tax Self-Assessment returns for business or property income over £10,000 annually.
Link to Official Written Statement