Keeping records?

digp

Do the IR accept that keeping records in electronic form is sufficient - i.e. I have lots of paper documents which I want to scan in to PDF format so I can clear up space.I can't see that there would be any issue, but views appreciated.

Gurad

Why not check out their web site and give them a call. Their web site is http://www.hmrc.gov.uk I'm new to this so I hope links are OK.

I imagine you can call and ask a general question like this and they would be happy to give you the answer.

johnllew

Specific guidance here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/startingup/keeprecs.htm

Can I use my computer to keep records?

If you transfer details from paper records onto a computer, you will still normally have to keep the original paper records unless you microfilm them or use an optical imaging system. You don't have to print everything out, as long as the information in the original documents can be recovered from the computer and satisfies the other rules for record keeping.
You must keep the originals of any vouchers showing that tax has been taken from your income, even if you've microfilmed or imaged them. This includes

• Bank and building society certificates giving details of the tax deducted from any interest you've received
• Dividend vouchers
• Certificates of tax deducted under the subcontractors scheme
• Details of foreign tax withheld from overseas income.

You do not have to keep payslips showing tax deducted under PAYE, although you may still find it useful to keep paper records.
VAT records may be kept on computer provided they maintain all of the required information