Digital Record Keeping Services for Making Tax Digital
HMRC now expects income and expense records to be created and held digitally from the moment a transaction occurs. ABM Chartered Accountants provides digital record-keeping support that keeps records complete, correctly categorised and linked to HMRC for every submission.
Records That Meet HMRC's Requirements
Under Making Tax Digital, each business transaction must be recorded digitally with its date, amount and income or expense category, and data must flow to HMRC through digital links without manual re-keying. Retail businesses may record daily gross takings, landlords keep one property business record covering all UK properties, and records must be retained for at least five years after the filing deadline.
Our digital record-keeping service maintains your records in cloud software month by month, attaches source documents and reviews every categorisation before each submission is due.
Related Making Tax Digital Services
Good records underpin every other part of MTD compliance. These related services cover the setup, automation and submissions that depend on the digital records we keep for you.
Digital Bookkeeping Setup
Chart of accounts, categories and opening balances built for MTD digital records.
Bank Feed Automation
Live bank feeds, rules and receipt capture that remove manual data entry.
Quarterly Updates
Cumulative quarterly updates prepared, checked and submitted before every 7th deadline.
Final Declaration
Year-end adjustments, reliefs and your MTD tax return filed by 31 January.
MTD for VAT
Digital VAT record keeping, HMRC-compatible software and accurate quarterly VAT return submissions.
Compliance Reviews
Periodic checks that records, software and submissions still meet HMRC requirements.
Why Digital Records Protect Your Business
Submissions accepted first time: Records structured to HMRC categories flow into VAT returns and quarterly updates without rework.
Enquiry-ready audit trail: Every figure traces back to a dated source document, which shortens any HMRC compliance check considerably.
No lost expenses: Receipts captured at the point of purchase mean allowable costs are claimed rather than forgotten.
Retention handled: Records are stored securely in the cloud for the full five-year period HMRC requires.
Accurate tax estimates: Up-to-date records let you see your estimated liability throughout the year and plan payments.
Digital Record Keeping Across London and the UK
ABM Chartered Accountants maintains digital records from our Canary Wharf office in London for sole traders, landlords and businesses in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol, Sheffield and every UK region.
Record Keeping for Every Sector
We keep compliant digital records for retailers and hospitality businesses using daily takings, landlords with jointly owned property, construction subcontractors holding CIS statements, contractors, healthcare professionals and e-commerce sellers with multiple sales channels.
Why Choose ABM for Digital Record Keeping
HMRC Rules Applied
We keep records to the MTD notices and VAT regulations, not just to what the software defaults allow.
Monthly Review Cadence
Records are reviewed each month for missing items, miscoded transactions and unattached documents before deadlines arrive.
Chartered Accountability
ICAEW and ACCA qualified accountants stand behind your records if HMRC ever raises questions or opens a check.
How We Work
Initial Consultation
Set Up and Onboard
Ongoing Support
We provide regular reviews and proactive advice to keep your finances optimised and HMRC-compliant.
Get in Touch Today
Whether you need help with your tax return, payroll, VAT, or business advisory, our qualified UK accountants are ready to provide clear, practical guidance for your specific needs.
Book a Consultation
Fill in the form below and one of our expert accountants will contact you promptly to discuss your accounting and tax requirements.
Our Global Clients
Digital Record Keeping FAQs
Answers to common questions about what Making Tax Digital requires you to record, how, and for how long.
What must each digital record include?
For every transaction HMRC requires the date, the amount and the category of income or expense. VAT-registered businesses also record the VAT rate and amount, and retailers may record daily gross takings instead.
Do I still need paper receipts?
No. A clear digital copy captured in your software satisfies HMRC. We recommend photographing receipts at the point of purchase so the record is created digitally from the outset.
How long must digital records be kept?
At least five years after the 31 January filing deadline for the relevant tax year. VAT records must be kept for six years. Cloud storage makes meeting both periods straightforward.
Can I keep records in a spreadsheet?
Yes, provided figures pass to HMRC through digitally linked bridging software with no manual re-typing. Cutting and pasting between files breaks the digital link and is not compliant.
How are landlord records kept under MTD?
All UK rental properties form one property business, so records are kept in a single ledger with per-property tracking. Jointly owned property records show only your share of income and expenses.
Will you maintain my records every month?
Yes. Our ongoing service reviews your records monthly, attaches missing documents, corrects categorisation and confirms everything is ready before each VAT return or quarterly update deadline arrives.