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Revised IFRS for SMEs – Effective from 1 January 2027

IFRS for SMEs are designed for entities without public accountability that publish general-purpose financial statements.

IASB has released the third edition of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard, marking the completion of its second comprehensive review. The revised edition enhances alignment with full IFRS Accounting Standards while maintaining a simplified structure. The below targeted modifications have been made to ensure the standard remains proportionate and user-friendly for entities with limited resources.

In addition to the major revisions in Section 23 Revenue from Contracts with Customers to align with IFRS 15, the IASB has postponed aligning lease accounting with IFRS 16 Leases, deferring it to a future review.

IFRS for SME - Section 2

Revenue from contracts with customers

Conceptual framework - Section 2 has been updated to align with the IASB’s 2018 Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting, improving the clarity and consistency of financial statements.

IFRS for SME - Section 9

Consolidated and separate financial statements

Control in consolidation - Section 9 adopts a single model for assessing control, enhancing comparability across entities and simplifying the consolidation process.

IFRS for SME - Section 11

Financial instruments

Financial instruments - Sections on Basic Financial Instruments and Other Financial Instrument Issues have been merged into a new Section 11, Financial Instruments. This update introduces principles for easier classification, new requirements for financial guarantee contracts, and expanded disclosure obligations.

IFRS for SME - Section 12

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement - A new Section 12 has been added, aligning the standard with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement. It sets out comprehensive guidelines on fair value measurement and related disclosures, enhancing transparency.

IFRS for SME - Section 19

Business combination

Business combination - Section 19 has been revised to reflect IFRS 3. This includes an updated definition of a business and refined measurement criteria, offering improved guidance for mergers and acquisitions.

IFRS for SME - Section 23

Revenue from contract with customers

Revenue recognition - Section 23 now mirrors IFRS 15 with suitable simplifications. A comprehensive five-step model for revenue recognition has been introduced, along with guidance on complex contractual features.

Effective date

The revised IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard is effective for annual reporting periods starting on or after 1 January 2027, with early adoption permitted.

How we can help

Our expert financial accounting advisory teams bring practical insights and global experience to support your needs. Feel free to contact us for more information.

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Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Making tax digital (MTD) is a tax administration strategy that requires self employed individuals and landlords to keep digital records and send quarterly updates (unadjusted summaries of income and expenses) to HMRC via approved software.

The goal of MTD is to enhance record-keeping and help reduce the tax gap by ensuring accurate tax submissions. According to HMRC, a significant portion of the tax gap —amounting to £5 billion —results from errors and poor record-keeping.

MTD start date and income thresholds

MTD will be implemented in phases, with the start date depending on the taxpayer's combined income from self-employment and/or property.

Income threshold (*)

Mandatory from

Over £50,000

April 2026

Over £30,000

April 2027

Over £20,000

April 2029

£20,000 or less

Not applicable

 

(*) The income thresholds are based on total combined turnover (not profit) from self-employment and/or property income. Personal income from other sources like employment (PAYE), dividends, or bank interest does not count towards MTD mandation.

Quarterly updates

Quarterly updates to HMRC will follow the tax year's start date of 6 April, but individuals can choose to align updates with the start of a month, like 1 April, if preferred. The deadlines for quarterly updates will be 5th following the end of the relevant quarter. See below.

 

Standard Quarter

Elected Quarter

Submission due date

Quarter 1

6 April to 5 July

1 April to 30 June

5 August

Quarter 2

6 April to 5 October

1 April to 30 September

5 November

Quarter 3

6 April to 5 January

1 April to 31 December

5 February

Quarter 4

6 April to 5 April

1 April to 31 March

5 May

Year-end final declaration

At year-end, clients finalize their tax position through a quicker digital return, incorporating data submitted during the year and auto-populated info from HMRC. Any personal income not held by HMRC (e.g., dividend income) is added at year-end. Tax and accounting adjustments can be made at any time before the final "declaration," confirming the information is accurate and complete.

MTD software

All mandated taxpayers must use MTD compatible software (or a digitally linked set of compatible software) to: (1) keep digital records; and (2) submit quarterly updates to HMRC. See the link for MTD-compatible software details

Early participation in MTD testing phase

Individuals can choose to join the MTD testing phase early (now), allowing them to get acquainted with the system before it becomes mandatory in 2026.

Get support

Apex Global Consulting Services helps clients comply with MTD by selecting compatible software, maintaining digital records, submitting quarterly updates, and finalizing year-end returns. We also provide training to ensure a smooth transition ahead of the 2026 mandate. Contact us to help guide you through the process with ease.

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Saudi Arabia’s Green Financing Framework: Driving Vision 2030 with Sustainable Finance

Saudi Arabia’s Green Financing Framework sets a regional benchmark for integrating sustainable finance with national development priorities. By bridging the gap between environmental commitments and capital markets, it unlocks investment in green infrastructure and demonstrates how oil-rich nations can lead in the fight against climate change.

Discover the core objectives and transformative impact of the framework in the attached file. 

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