HMRC has been working with the Business Application Software Developer Association (BASDA), and independent IT developers, since the early part of 2012. The aim has been to ensure that a variety of FREE or low cost simple record keeping apps is available to small businesses and the self employed. This is for businesses to use to help with record keeping responsibilities in daily business life whilst on the go. These applications compliment existing HMRC record keeping guidance and tools and may help small businesses and the self employed build confidence in their ability to maintain good records.
As a minimum requirement the apps should provide information in line with the 3 line account information on the Self Assessment return. The apps are intended primarily for those people with simple record keeping needs that are below the VAT threshold.
There are links available to general record keeping guidance on the HMRC website from the apps. This guidance covers information that small businesses and the self employed will find useful on record keeping, expenses and a ready reckoner that may help businesses work out an estimate of what tax they may expect to pay.
The first of these apps are available now and a list of the developers can be found here on the HMRC website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/softwaredevelopers/mobile-apps/record-keeping.htm
For direct access to HMRC’s ready reckoner tool for the self employed click here HM Revenue & Customs: Self-employed ready reckoner
It is made clear on the page hosting the links to the apps that none of the apps have been tested by HMRC and inclusion on the list does not imply any support, recommendation or certification of the software.