Phase 2 of the UK government's Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative for VAT started on 1 April 2021. 

The new requirements include digital record-keeping and the tracking of digital journeys, with penalties for infringement and late filings.

MTD Phase 2 follows the April 2019 (Phase 1) requirements, where all UK VAT registered businesses over the registration threshold, were required to file returns via a new API interface with HMRC.

Avalara's MTD Cloud and VAT Reporting software solutions are MTD recognised by HMRC.

The requirements will only apply to businesses over the UK VAT registration threshold (currently £85,000).

This creates the following requirements:

• Storing data digitally on functional compatible software package
• Calculation of VAT liabilities by the automated software
• File the 9-box UK VAT return data via the HMRC’s JSON API platform, under the ‘API First Strategy’. This replaces keying-in or the existing XML API
• New authentication process
• Receive digital information in return from HMRC
• A controlled process around adjustments and error corrections

The following data must be stored digitally:

• The business name
• The address of the principle place of business
• VAT registration numbers
• A record of any VAT accounting schemes that are used
• For each taxable supply:
  • The time of supply
  • The value of the supply
  • The rate of VAT charged
• For each VAT return submitted:
  • The output/input tax
  • The output/input tax on acquisitions from other EU member states
  • The tax required to be paid/reclaimed under the reverse charge for supplies
  • Any tax to be paid following a correction or error adjustment