Restaurants urged to get ahead of tax deadline

By James McAllister

- Last updated on GMT

Restaurants urged to get ahead of tax deadline

Related tags Tax Government

Restaurants and takeaways are being urged to make their taxes digital before the legal deadline as part of a initiative by the British Takeaway Campaign (BTC).

The call comes ahead of an April 2022 cut-off for VAT-registered businesses to move their tax records online as part of an effort to cut down on accidental errors in tax reporting.

According to BTC, digital tax reporting helps businesses become more productive as they spend less time on tax admin and more time on growing their business, whilst ensuring they get tax right the first-time round.

The latest tax gap figures show that avoidable mistakes cost the public purse £8.5bn between 2018 and 2019.

Treasury Minister Jesse Norman, who is backing the BTC's campaign, said: “The Government’s Making Tax Digital initiative is creating a system that helps businesses get tax right from the start, so they can spend less time doing tax admin and more time growing sales and profits and creating jobs. 

“Small businesses, including takeaways and independent food businesses, will be key to making sure that our tax system works as well as possible, and they stand to benefit as well. So, they should sign up to move their tax affairs online as soon as they can.”

Business owners can take steps to make their tax digital by downloading compatible software​ - like Microsoft Excel - that connects to HMRC’s tax registration systems, and by registering​ for the Government’s Making Tax Digital programme.

Ibrahim Dogus, chair of the British Takeaway Campaign, said: “We’re urging Britain’s restaurant, pub and café owners to embrace technology and let the computers do the boring paperwork, so you don’t have to.

“There are many benefits to going digital. It saves time, it prevents mistakes, and it makes doing business easier. The most important reason, however, is that by April 2022 it will be the law. So, get ahead and do it now.”

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