The article provides a detailed checklist for UK VAT‑registered businesses to comply with the Making Tax Digital (MTD) programme, outlining digital record‑keeping, API submission, exemption criteria, and the penalty regime. It also highlights upcoming MTD requirements for Income Tax and offers guidance on software selection and consolidation.
The VATfaqs digest
Global VAT news, delivered Tuesday and Thursday. Free, curated from 50+ official sources, no spam.
No spam · Unsubscribe any time
Law360 · about 17 hours ago
A London tribunal ruled that Barclays' British branch was skeletal and did not constitute a fixed establishment for VAT grouping purposes, resulting in the loss of Barclays' appeal. The decision clarifies the application of UK fixed establishment rules for foreign entities.
1stopVAT · about 18 hours ago
HMRC has introduced a mandatory online registration portal for tax advisers who interact with HMRC on behalf of clients. The portal becomes operational from 18 May 2026 and must be fully functional by 31 March 2027. Advisers have three months from the opening of the registration window to apply for an Agent Services Account (ASA).
HM Revenue & Customs · about 22 hours ago
HM Revenue & Customs has introduced a temporary reduced VAT rate of 5% for qualifying children's meals, tickets and family attractions. The rate applies from 25 June 2026 until 1 September 2026. After that, the standard rate will resume.
Scottish Financial News · 1 day ago
HMRC has removed VAT on eligible goods donated by VAT‑registered businesses to registered charities, effective 8 June 2026. The relief includes a monetary cap per item and prohibits charities from reclaiming VAT on donated goods. Businesses should keep detailed records of donated items.
Cumbria Crack · 2 days ago
The UK government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative introduces a temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on certain children’s meals and family-focused activities from 25 June to 1 September 2026. Businesses must identify qualifying supplies, review pricing, adjust bundled offers, and update booking and accounting systems to manage mixed VAT treatments and potential advance‑booking adjustments.
Bournemouth Echo · 3 days ago
HMRC has confirmed that VAT‑registered companies in Dorset can donate goods to registered charities without incurring VAT, provided the goods are used to support people in need or deliver charitable services. This removes a barrier that previously required businesses to pay VAT on donated goods. Businesses should keep accurate records of donated items, especially high‑value goods.
Put your brand alongside trusted tax-tech intelligence across 150+ countries.
Key Takeaways
Businesses must keep a digital record of each transaction, sales and purchases, in a digital format; paper invoices do not meet the requirement.
VAT returns must be submitted directly to HMRC via an API connection using MTD‑compatible software; manual entry into the old HMRC portal is not allowed.
Primary source
Read the full article at VatITThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 9 June 2026. It relates to VAT developments in United Kingdom. The original source is VatIT.
