NFU opposes mandatory online VAT returns
The NFU has strongly opposed the introduction of mandatory online filing of VAT returns for all VAT registered businesses.
In our response to an HMRC consultation we have highlighted how reliable and adequate broadband access is a hugely significant factor which prohibits many rural businesses from adopting online services. We have also pointed out that many small business owners either do not own a computer or have limited computer skills and would therefore have real difficulty in complying with a mandatory obligation to file their VAT returns online.
We have argued that alternative methods of filing VAT returns must continue to be available to those who would have difficulty in complying with mandatory online filing.
Our full consultation response can be found to the right of this page.
- sarah baddeley - 03/11/2011
Whilst online filing is great if you have computer and are computer literate. The HMRC website is a nightmare and I still find it very difficult to work my way through it. A lot of farmers still do not use computers and probably never will what happens if your computer crashes and completely dies on you. It takes time to get everything onto a new computer (presuming you have the cash to buy a new one).