shutterstock_1131330176-resized-3
Posted on

HMRC have published an updated version of their guidance for businesses on Making Tax Digital for VAT. In particular, the guidance now includes information on how businesses should deal with petty cash transactions.

Petty cash is traditionally a small amount of cash on hand that covers a business’s day to day expenses, such as purchasing stamps. In some cases, it can be used to describe costs that are not attributable to an individual account in their records. It is recognised that requiring businesses to record each of these transactions in digital records could be an unreasonable administrative burden for them. Therefore, HMRC will accept that petty cash transactions can be recorded as a single purchase in the digital records of the business, subject to a monetary limit.

HMRC confirm that the following rule has the force of law:

Where a business uses petty cash to pay for small value items, these do not need to be individually recorded in the digital records. The business can record the total value and the total input tax allowable. This applies to individual purchases with a VAT-inclusive value below £50 and the total value of petty cash transactions recorded in this way cannot exceed a VAT-inclusive value of £500 per entry.

Regarding other areas, HMRC guidance on the following has been updated: the turnover test, following the rules when you’re exempt; digital links; supplies made by third party agents and supplies received. In addition, new guidance on the use of supplier statements and charity fundraising events has been added.

The guidance can be found on the GOV.uk website here.

For further information about this topic, please call Paul McMahon on 0191 567 8611 or e-mail: p.mcmahon@uhy-torgersens.com.

As one of the leading firms of accountants in the North East, with offices in Newcastle, Sunderland and Jarrow, we have the expertise to advise you on a wide range of tax related issues. If you would like to speak to one of our local experts, please call 0191 567 8611 or e-mail info@uhy-torgersens.com.

About the Author

Paul McMahon Image

Paul McMahon

Partner
As a partner in the firm, Paul’s role is to support clients by providing solutions-based accountancy, tax and business advice, predominantly to small and medium sized businesses.

To get in touch please e-mail paul.mcmahon@torgersens.com.

Share this story...

More Stories

Understanding the pros and cons of the VAT Flat Rate Scheme

Understanding the pros and cons of the VAT Flat Rate Scheme

Should small businesses still use the VAT Flat Rate Scheme?

Should small businesses still use the VAT Flat Rate Scheme?

How to register for VAT

How to register for VAT