When HMRC introduced the DAC7 directive, self-catering agencies across the UK faced a new and complex reporting requirement. Designed to enhance tax transparency in the digital platform economy, DAC7 mandates that platforms report the income earned by sellers using their services. This meant agencies had to collect and submit sensitive data, such as owners’ dates of birth and national insurance numbers, while ensuring they met GDPR requirements.
A Daunting Task for Agencies
For many agencies, the biggest challenges included:
- Collecting and securely storing sensitive owner data while remaining GDPR-compliant
- Verifying information efficiently to ensure accuracy
- Submitting reports in HMRC’s required XML format before the deadline
- Avoiding manual errors or administrative overload
Without an efficient system in place, agencies risked missing the January 31st submission deadline, potentially facing penalties or compliance issues.
SuperControl’s Solution
Recognising the urgency and complexity of the new regulations, SuperControl developed dedicated tools to simplify the process. These tools enabled self-catering agencies to:
- Gather and verify required owner details, including sensitive information
- Store data securely in line with GDPR regulations
- Automatically generate an HMRC-compliant XML report for easy submission
- Save valuable time by removing the need for manual data handling
Adam Stephenson, Director of Herdwick Cottages, commented on the process:
“As an owner of a busy agency, the new HMRC requirement to report owners’ income (DAC7) was a real worry for us. Thankfully, Rosie and the development team at SuperControl have worked tirelessly to develop the software, allowing me to quickly download and submit the XML information to HMRC seamlessly, accurately and, more importantly, before the deadline! The accompanying facility to collect and verify the owners’ seller information is a real timesaver too! Thank you and well done!”
Looking Ahead to Future Compliance Needs
While the DAC7 reporting deadline was a significant hurdle, SuperControl remains committed to developing solutions that support agencies in an evolving regulatory landscape.
Compliance requirements will continue to change, and SuperControl will be there to provide the tools agencies need to stay ahead—without adding to their workload.
For those who successfully navigated DAC7, this is just another example of how the right technology can turn complex regulations into manageable tasks. And for those still looking for a reliable way to manage reporting requirements, SuperControl is here to help.
