As HMRC aims for the launch of Making Tax Digital in April 2018, CCH Daily assesses the key developments, timetable and compliance costs, House of Lords criticism of mandation and concerns over readiness of software developers to be up and running in time for the start date

HMRC's Making Tax Digital programme has repeatedly been questioned over its cost to businesses when complying with quarterly reporting. Yvette Nunn CTA, director of Berkeley Associates, comments on the escalation in Making Tax Digital compliance costs 

With the user trials for beta testing of Making Tax Digital set to kick off in April, there are still a host of unanswered questions for tax advisers and businesses about free software provision, thresholds and compliance requirements, says Sara White, editor of Accountancy

Latest data from HMRC suggests that it is struggling to keep up with demand for its new digital services, as satisfaction levels have fallen, although it has significantly improved its phone and post handling capabilities

Making Tax Digital programme director Theresa Middleton has warned members of the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee that some software vendors will not be ready to take part in the Making Tax Digital pilot scheme set to commence in April 2017. Calum Fuller reports

Landlords have shown strong support on being taxed on the cash basis as part of the Making Tax Digital plans saying that it is an important and strong aspect for small landlords as well as showing overall positivity towards digitalisation, as part of evidence given to the Lords Committee

Small businesses could face a wait of up to 10 years before they see a return from investing in becoming compliant with Making Tax Digital, members of the House of Lords’ Economic Affairs Committee have heard. Calum Fuller reports

The rigid framework of quarterly reporting under Making Tax Digital does not make sense for the farming community due to accounting complexity, use of capital allowances and seasonality of the business, NFU head of tax tells Lords committee. Sara White reports

Farmers, small businesses and landlords are to give evidence to the Economic Affairs Finance Bill sub-committee on the government's Making Tax Digital project today

Making Tax Digital will be back in the spotlight on Wednesday as sneior HMRC officials are called up to give evidence at the House of Lords committee reviewing the draft clauses of the Finance Bill 

Self employed businesses and sole traders who feel they may need more time to adjust to the requirements of Making Tax Digital could consider changing their accounting date, according to ICAEW

Last week saw an interesting few days. We had the vote on triggering Article 50 in the Commons and a day later the publication of the Brexit White Paper. Getting in just before the filing deadline of 31 January, HMRC’s response to the six consultations on Making Tax Digital landed with a thud. Jonathan Reilly, head of tax at Grant Thornton reacts to the digitisation plans