Question 1

Do I still file a Self-Assessment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but as a Final Declaration.

Question 2

Can I leave MTD if my income drops?

Accepted Answer

Only after three consecutive years below the threshold.

Question 3

What is the three-year rule after enrolling in MTD?

Accepted Answer

Once a taxpayer enrols with MTD, they cannot simply exit the next year even if their qualifying income falls below the threshold. They must remain under MTD for at least three consecutive tax years. Only once they have had three full tax years in MTD with qualifying income below the threshold can they apply to exit.

Question 4

Can I use spreadsheets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only with compliant software. It is best to check on HMRC official sites what software's are allowed, and which are not or see our tailored guide

Question 5

Does MTD apply to foreign property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it applies to foreign property income if you are a UK resident and your total qualifying income exceeds the relevant threshold. Foreign properties must be reported separately from UK properties using MTD-compatible software.

Question 6

Can my accountant file for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most taxpayers prefer this.

Question 7

What Happens if my Income Fluctuates Year-to-Year?

Accepted Answer

If your qualifying income falls below the threshold in one year but above in the next, HMRC looks at two consecutive tax years when assessing whether you must follow MTD rules. You only leave MTD when your income is below the threshold for three full tax years in a row. This helps prevent people “jumping in and out” of the system due to income fluctuations.

Question 8

Does foreign property income count toward the threshold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are a UK tax resident, foreign property income generally counts toward income thresholds for UK tax purposes, such as the Self-Assessment and MTD thresholds.

Question 9

Can I still apply for exemption even if my income is above £50,000?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Exemptions apply regardless of income if you meet HMRC’s digital exclusion criteria.

Question 10

What if my income was below £50,000 last year but will exceed it this year?

Accepted Answer

HMRC only uses the previous tax year for assessment, so you join MTD the following tax year.

Explore: Higher Penalties for MTD Filers
HMRC guidance: Penalty Reform for MTD

Question 11

What if my details don’t match on my ID?

Accepted Answer

You’ll still be verified — but expect enhanced due diligence checks.

Question 12

Can overseas passport holders be verified digitally?

Accepted Answer

Yes — ACSPs are allowed to verify foreign nationals using approved biometric systems.

Question 13

What if my ACSP loses their authorization?

Accepted Answer

You must immediately switch to another ACSP to avoid filing delays.

Question 14

Do I need to verify again if I change my address?

Accepted Answer

No — identity verification is tied to you, not your address.

Question 15

Can an ACSP speed up incorporation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Errors are reduced and verification is instant, so filings move faster.

Question 16

How long does Companies House store my data?

Accepted Answer

Only as legally required — and ACSPs follow strict GDPR rules.

Question 17

What happens if a director fails identity verification due to mismatched details?

Accepted Answer

If the information on your ID doesn’t match Companies House records, verification pauses and the director temporarily cannot act.

Example:
Sarah from Wimbledon changed her surname after marriage. Her passport says Patel-Thompson, but Companies House still shows Patel. Her verification failed.

CIGMA steps in by requesting her marriage certificate, updating the records, and completing verification within 24 hours so she can resume duties quickly.

Question 18

Can overseas directors verify remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes — verification for overseas directors is fully digital.

Example:
A Dubai-based investor setting up a company in EC1 needs same-day appointment approval.
CIGMA handles the passport scan, biometric test, and AML checks remotely.
He’s verified within hours, without visiting the UK.

Question 19

What if my ACSP loses authorization?

Accepted Answer

Your filings may be rejected until you switch to an authorised ACSP.

Example:
A small agent in Farringdon forgets to renew AML supervision → Companies House suspends their ACSP status → client filings are blocked.

CIGMA avoids this through automated renewal monitoring and strict compliance routines.

Question 20

What happens if a director refuses to verify?

Accepted Answer

They cannot legally act as a director.

This includes:
• approving filings
• signing accounts
• updating company information
• forming new companies

Example:
A director in Fulham Broadway ignores verification reminders. Eventually, Companies House locks their authority, causing filing delays and penalty risks.

Question 21

How long does a verification code remain valid?

Accepted Answer

It stays valid permanently unless fraud is suspected.

Example:
A property investor in Hammersmith forms multiple SPVs but only verifies once.

Question 22

What if my biometric selfie fails?

Accepted Answer

It’s typically an easy fix.

Common causes:
• poor lighting
• blurred image
• face covered
• wearing glasses in ID but not in selfie

Example:
A director submits a dimly lit selfie → CIGMA provides guidance → resubmits → approved instantly.

Question 23

Can ACSP verification be faster than Companies House direct verification?

Accepted Answer

Yes — usually significantly faster.

Example:
A founder in EC1 needs incorporation today.
CIGMA completes ID checks + AML screening in 1–2 hours, enabling same-day company formation.

Question 24

What records must ACSPs keep for seven years?

Accepted Answer

identity documents
• AML results
• audit trails
• verification logs

CIGMA stores everything securely through encrypted cloud systems, keeping you compliant.

Question 25

Can a business switch ACSPs anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes — immediately and without disruption.

Example:
A business in Wimbledon leaves a low-cost agent due to frequent filing errors and switches to CIGMA.
Verification becomes smoother and rejection rates drop to zero.

Question 26

Why are most ACSP applications rejected?

Accepted Answer

Top causes include:
• incorrect AML supervisory number
• wrong One Login setup
• name mismatch with supervisor records

CIGMA prevents this through detailed pre-validation — maintaining a zero rejection rate.

Question 27

Will identity verification appear publicly?

Accepted Answer

Only a simple statement:
Identity verified on [date] by [ACSP].

No passport, address, or sensitive details appear publicly.

Question 28

How does ACSP verification reduce fraud?

Accepted Answer

It blocks:
• fake identities
• fraudulent appointments
• impersonation attempts
• shell company misuse

Example:
A fraudster uses a stolen passport → biometric check fails → AML alert raised → appointment blocked.

Question 29

Which address should dual-residency directors use?

Accepted Answer

Use your primary residential address.

CIGMA guides you on which address Companies House is likely to accept.

Question 30

Can verification and incorporation happen on the same day?

Accepted Answer

Yes — especially when handled by CIGMA.

Example:
A founder in Farringdon needs a company incorporated before signing a contract.
CIGMA completes verification and incorporation before end of day.

Question 31

Can expired passports be used for verification?

Accepted Answer

No — IDs must be valid.
However, alternative documents may be accepted while waiting for a renewed passport.

Question 32

What happens if biometric verification passes but AML screening fails?

Accepted Answer

CIGMA initiates Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), which may require:
• additional documents
• source-of-funds verification
• extra checks

This ensures compliance and avoids regulatory issues.

Question 33

Are digital nomads affected?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but verification is straightforward.

Example:
A director who spends time between Singapore and London completes verification digitally using CIGMA’s secure platform.

Question 34

What prevents someone from impersonating me at Companies House?

Accepted Answer

Identity verification creates a strong security barrier.
Even if someone submits copied documents, biometric checks and AML screens will block the attempt.

Question 35

Can companies pre-verify directors before hiring?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and it often speeds up onboarding.

Example:
A fintech in EC1 verifies incoming directors during the job offer stage, ensuring seamless appointments later.

Category: Blogs

MTD for Income Tax: The Complete UK Guide for 2026/27

Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — The Ultimate Guide for UK Businesses

What Expenses Can You Claim on Your Rental Property? A Comprehensive Guide for Landlords

How to Report UK and Overseas Rental Income on Your Tax Return Clearly Explained for Landlords

Understanding Rental Income Tax Returns: A Guide for UK Landlords to Maximise Compliance and Efficiency

Content Creators & Influencers: The Complete 2025 UK Tax Guide

Do You Need to File a Tax Return for Rental Income? HMRC Rules Explained Clearly and Concisely

Heads up for company directors

What Expenses Can You Claim on Your Rental Property? A Comprehensive Guide for Landlords

Airbnb Property Management in the UK (2025)

Airbnb & Digital Platform Income: The Complete 2025 UK Tax Guide for Hosts

Taxing the Borderless Individual: The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Digital Nomads, Expats & Landlords

Top 5 Cloud Bookkeeping Apps for UK Small Businesses in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide to Streamlining Your Finances

How Cloud Bookkeeping Helps You Prepare for an HMRC Audit Efficiently and Accurately

What Your Accountant Can See (And Do) With Cloud Bookkeeping Access Explained Clearly

How to Switch to Cloud Bookkeeping Without Disrupting Your Business – A Step-by-Step Guide for Seamless Transition

Cloud Bookkeeping for Freelancers and Sole Traders: Key Benefits and Practical Considerations

AI vs Human Tax Advisor

Your 2025/26 Corporation Tax Roadmap - Cut Liabilities, Stay Compliant

AI vs. Human Expertise: The Risks of Letting Software Handle Your Tax Return Alone

Cloud Bookkeeping for Small Businesses: How It Simplifies Your Finances

How Cloud Bookkeeping Helps You Stay Compliant with HMRC-s Making Tax Digital Rules: A Comprehensive Guide

Overdrafts Explained: Risks, Costs, and Smarter Options

When Dividends Cannot Be Paid - UK Company Law & Tax Implications

Types of Tax Allowances for Capital Expenditure (2025 Guide)

Avoiding Costly Errors: How an Accountant Safeguards Your Company Tax Return

AI Tools Are Useful - But Here-s Why You Still Need an Accountant

Family Investment Companies (FICs) vs. Trusts - Which Works Best in 2025?

Inheritance Tax & Historic Properties: Reliefs, Risks, and Realities

Buy-to-Let Mortgage Interest Relief Explained: 2025 Guide for UK Landlords and High-Net-Worth Investors