{"id":10040,"date":"2022-10-17T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-17T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=10040"},"modified":"2025-12-24T10:24:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T10:24:19","slug":"voluntary-vat-register-making-tax-digital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/voluntary-vat-register-making-tax-digital\/","title":{"rendered":"How to sign up and register for Making Tax Digital for VAT"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to sign up and register for Making Tax Digital for VAT\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2022-10-17T10:00:00+01:00\">17 October, 2022<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How to sign up and register for Making Tax Digital for VAT\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/voluntary-vat-register-making-tax-digital\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/keirthomasbryant\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair.jpg 760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Keir Thomas-Bryant<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know the way you file your VAT Returns for your VAT-registered business has changed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By law, you need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/charge-reclaim-record-vat\/sign-up-making-tax-digital-for-vat\">sign up to Making Tax Digital<\/a> (MTD) and are required to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/size\/self-employed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MTD-compatible software<\/a> for keeping VAT records and filing VAT Returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hmrc-making-tax-digital-vat-letters\/#key\">VAT Return filing deadlines on the horizon<\/a>, you need to make sure you\u2019re complying with all requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all, you don\u2019t want to end up with a potential <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/submit-vat-return\/surcharges-and-penalties\">fine<\/a> for not following the rules, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, from 1 November 2022, you can&#8217;t use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/less-than-one-month-left-for-vat-businesses-to-be-ready-for-making-tax-digital-filing\">your existing VAT online account<\/a> to file quarterly or monthly VAT Returns (there is a caveat on this, <a href=\"#can\">more details on that below&#8230;<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is this all news to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t despair, we\u2019re here to help you with Making Tax Digital for VAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we look at how to register for MTD for VAT if you\u2019re new to it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what we cover:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#overview\" data-level=\"2\">Overview of Making Tax Digital for VAT<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#can\" data-level=\"2\">Can I submit VAT Returns as normal or do I need MTD VAT sign up?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-anchor-link\" data-level=\"2\">How to register for a VAT account and submit a VAT Return online<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-anchor-link\" data-level=\"2\">What you need to register for MTD for VAT<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#to-anchor-link\" data-level=\"2\">How to sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#can-anchor-link\" data-level=\"2\">Can my accountant complete my MTD VAT sign up for me?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ask-anchor-link\" data-level=\"2\">How to ask to be digitally exempt from MTD for VAT<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#deregister-anchor-link\" data-level=\"2\">Can I deregister from VAT to avoid MTD for VAT?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#mtd-vat-registration\" data-level=\"2\">MTD VAT registration methods<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#trouble-shooting\" data-level=\"2\">Troubleshooting: Common MTD VAT sign up issues<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#mtd-vat-registration-checklist\" data-level=\"2\">MTD VAT registration checklist for UK businesses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#final-anchor-link\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts on MTD for VAT<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs-how-to-sign-up-for-making-tax-digital-for-vat\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs: How to sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-7d156956-5d50-4831-b17a-2a8df0b4167b\">Download your free (and easily printable) Making Tax Digital checklist and follow the steps to help you with your VAT Return processes<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overview\">Overview of Making Tax Digital for VAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your business is registered for VAT, you\u2019ve probably heard all about Making Tax Digital (MTD), and MTD for VAT in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Introduced in April 2019, it affected all VAT-registered businesses over the VAT threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But now, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hmrc-making-tax-digital-vat-letters\/\">MTD for VAT applies to all VAT-registered businesses<\/a>. This includes businesses that are voluntarily registered for VAT and under the threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They must store their VAT accounting records digitally and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-business-cloud\/sage-accounting\/features\/tax\/\">use compatible software for their VAT accounting<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MTD for VAT provides an opportunity to revolutionise your accounting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By switching to software, or updating your current software to be compliant, you can both modernise and take advantage of the latest technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, your overall accounting admin workload is reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Stay up to date with Making Tax Digital<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Want to get the latest tips to manage your MTD requirements? Sign up today to receive the Sage Advice newsletter, straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/subscribe\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-12720\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Sign up now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-606353201-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-606353201-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can\"><strong>Can I submit VAT Returns as normal or do I need MTD VAT sign up?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately not, no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/less-than-one-month-left-for-vat-businesses-to-be-ready-for-making-tax-digital-filing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">your existing VAT online account<\/a> to file quarterly or monthly VAT Returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From 1 November 2022, you won&#8217;t be able to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/less-than-one-month-left-for-vat-businesses-to-be-ready-for-making-tax-digital-filing\">your existing VAT online account<\/a> to file quarterly or monthly VAT Returns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(If you file annual VAT Returns, HMRC says you can use your VAT online account until 15 May 2023.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only way you\u2019ll be able to submit your VAT Returns is by signing up to MTD for VAT and using MTD compatible software \u2013 and you need to start doing that now or you could be penalised by HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if your business turnover is under the VAT threshold and you&#8217;ve not signed up for MTD for VAT in enough time to submit your next tax return by 7 November 2022, you&#8217;ll still be able to use your existing VAT online account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note \u2013 it will only be for that return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following that, for quarterly or monthly VAT returns, you&#8217;ll need to use MTD-compatible software to file any that are due after 1 December 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All VAT-registered businesses must now use MTD-compatible software to file VAT Returns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t, you could face a penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/hmrc-making-tax-digital-vat-letters\/\">HMRC is sending letters and emails to businesses now<\/a> that need to start following the MTD for VAT rules, so if you&#8217;ve not signed up your VAT registered business for Making Tax Digital yet, you&#8217;ll likely receive one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And rather than waiting, it\u2019s best to make the change to your processes now. That starts with registering for MTD for VAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More details on that below\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-anchor-link\">How to register for a VAT account and submit a VAT Return online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the taxable turnover of your business is under the VAT threshold and you\u2019ve not already registered voluntarily for VAT, now might be the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Registering means you can reclaim VAT on things you purchase for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many businesses register voluntarily because it makes their operation appear more professional \u2013 especially when selling to other businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/\">Making Tax Digital<\/a> for VAT is to simplify VAT accounting. So if you\u2019ve been put off previously by the admin requirements of VAT accounting, it\u2019s a great opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/register-for-vat-online\/\">register for VAT online<\/a>, or your accountant can do it for you. If doing it yourself, you\u2019ll need to create a Government Gateway account for your business (if you don\u2019t already have one).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve registered for VAT, you\u2019ll be sent your VAT number that you should then quote on your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/invoice-cheat-sheet\/#vat-anchor-link\">VAT invoices<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should start accounting for VAT from the date that HMRC registers you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have your VAT number, you can also submit a VAT Return online when the time comes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-business-cloud\/accounting\/features\/vat\/\">accounting software to submit your VAT Return to HMRC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-anchor-link\">What you need to register for MTD for VAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To register for MTD for VAT, you\u2019ll need gather together a few bits of information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The email address you use for your business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Government Gateway ID you use for the business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your VAT registration number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your latest VAT Return<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your National Insurance number if you\u2019re a sole trader<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your company registration number and Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if registering a limited company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"to-anchor-link\"><strong>How to sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to choose the software you intend to use before signing up for MTD for VAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can register for MTD for VAT by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tax.service.gov.uk\/vat-through-software\/sign-up\/are-you-ready-to-submit\">register for MTD at the Gov.uk website<\/a>, then answer the questions, which will involve providing the information mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are limitations on when you can sign up \u2013 this stops you accidentally making a double payment for your current return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should not sign up less than seven days before your VAT Return is due, or less than five days after your VAT Return is due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should receive confirmation from HMRC within three days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The MTD for VAT features in your accounting software need to be activated once you know your sign up details, as provided by HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, activation won\u2019t be automatic. Speak to your software vendor if you\u2019re unsure of what\u2019s required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#gate-7d156956-5d50-4831-b17a-2a8df0b4167b\">Download your free (and easily printable) Making Tax Digital checklist and follow the steps to help you with your VAT Return processes<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-anchor-link\"><strong>Can my accountant complete my MTD VAT sign up for me?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Just ask them to do so on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But bear in mind that this doesn\u2019t mean you can ignore MTD for VAT\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You still need to store your key VAT accounting records digitally and use software for your VAT accounting \u2013 even if your accountant then calculates your VAT bill and submits the VAT Return on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1.125rem; color: initial;\">Your accountant may ask that you link your accounting software with theirs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-anchor-link\">How to ask to be digitally exempt from MTD for VAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not possible to opt out of MTD for VAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, some businesses have genuine reasons why they\u2019re unable to comply with Making Tax Digital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reasons of age, disability, remoteness of location or, in HMRC\u2019s words, \u201cany other reason\u201d that means it\u2019s not \u201creasonably practicable\u201d for the business owner to use digital tools to keep business records or submit returns. For example, a business without an internet connection because it\u2019s on an island that\u2019s off the grid might be considered exempt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Religious beliefs are incompatible with the requirements of MTD for VAT. This is typically that the individuals running the business are unable to use computers because of their beliefs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply for exemption, call HMRC\u2019s VAT helpline to discuss the situation and arrange alternative measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1.125rem; color: initial;\">It\u2019s important to note that if HMRC believes exemption isn\u2019t appropriate, it may offer digital assistance to help your business get online support.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"deregister-anchor-link\">Can I deregister from VAT to avoid MTD for VAT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Any VAT-registered business can ask to cancel their VAT registration with HMRC if they\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/vat-registration\/when-to-register\">not eligible anymore<\/a> or if taxable sales drop below the \u00a383,000 deregistration threshold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>VAT registration can be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/vat-registration\/cancel-registration\">cancelled online<\/a>, or you can you fill in and then post a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/vat-application-to-cancel-your-vat-registration-vat7\">VAT7 <\/a>form to HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HMRC says it takes three weeks for the cancellation to be confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will include confirmation of the cancellation date, which you will already have set with HMRC. Typically, this is the date on which you make the request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Up to that date, you should continue to observe VAT requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1.125rem; color: initial;\">You\u2019ll need to submit a final VAT Return for the period up to the cancellation date. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1.125rem; color: initial;\">This must account for stock and assets you have at the cancellation date if you could reclaim VAT when you bought them, and if the total VAT due is over \u00a31,000.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mtd-vat-registration\"><strong>MTD VAT registration methods<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sign up directly with HMRC<\/strong>: Use your Government Gateway and follow HMRC\u2019s step-by-step process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sign up via MTD-compatible software<\/strong>: Many products guide you through MTD VAT sign up from within the app.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sign up through your accountant:<\/strong> Your agent can complete MTD VAT sign up on your behalf.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"trouble-shooting\"><strong>Troubleshooting: Common MTD VAT sign up issues<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Government Gateway details don\u2019t match HMRC records: Double-check VAT number, business name, and address exactly as HMRC holds them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signed up too close to the filing date: Wait until HMRC confirms your MTD sign up (can take up to 72 hours) before filing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Software not activated for MTD: Enable MTD for VAT in your software and reconnect to HMRC if needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agent authorisation missing: Ensure your accountant is authorised for MTD VAT services in their Agent Services Account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mtd-vat-registration-checklist\"><strong>MTD VAT registration checklist for UK businesses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm you are VAT registered and have your VAT number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose and set up MTD-compatible accounting software<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have your Government Gateway user ID and password<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have your business email address to receive HMRC confirmations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have your latest VAT Return to hand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have your NI number (sole traders) or company number and UTR (limited companies)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sign up for MTD VAT with HMRC and wait for confirmation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Activate MTD features in your software and connect to HMRC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-anchor-link\">Final thoughts on MTD for VAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you know how to register for Making Tax Digital for VAT, you can take the steps to do so for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And by using software to manage your VAT accounting, you\u2019ll be able to revolutionise your processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need more help with MTD for VAT?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speak to your accountant about the requirements \u2013 they can help you examine processes in your business to see what needs to be adapted. Alternatively, visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/making-tax-digital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dedicated MTD hub<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs-how-to-sign-up-for-making-tax-digital-for-vat\"><strong>FAQs: How to sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1765882412774\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How do I sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Use HMRC\u2019s MTD sign up service, then activate MTD in your compatible software before filing.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1765882421458\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I need to sign up if my turnover is below the VAT threshold?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Since April 2022, every VAT-registered business should have been compliant with MTD for VAT.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1765882430426\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I still file using my VAT online account?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Quarterly and monthly VAT Returns must be filed via MTD-compatible software.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s note: This article was first published in September 2021 and has been updated for relevance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Making Tax Digital for VAT checklist<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Download your free (and easily printable) Making Tax Digital checklist and follow the steps to help you with your VAT Return processes.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-7d156956-5d50-4831-b17a-2a8df0b4167b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download your free checklist<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1171809453-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1171809453-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Making Tax Digital applies to all VAT registered business now. Read our guide to learn how to register for MTD.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":280,"featured_media":11565,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,9],"tags":[23,135,30,206,27,28],"business_type":[4],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[73,74,75],"imagine_tag":[289,77,142,333,200,109],"coauthors":[369],"class_list":["post-10040","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-bookkeeping","tag-business-finances","tag-mtd-business","tag-need-to-know","tag-tax","tag-vat","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Keir Thomas-Bryant","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-497069597.jpg","imagine_tags":{"289":"Accounting and Payroll","77":"Accounting software","142":"Making Tax Digital for businesses","333":"Making tax digital for VAT","200":"Payroll","109":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10040","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/280"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10040"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10040\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/11565"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10040"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10040"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=10040"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=10040"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=10040"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=10040"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=10040"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=10040"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=10040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}