NEWS that more small businesses and landlords won't have to submit online tax updates every three months will be widely welcomed, says a Keighley accountant.

Dave Forrester, owner of TaxAssist Accountants, said a further 1.3 million exemptions had been announced.

"This means that 2.9 million of the UK's 5.4 million businesses will now be excluded from digital quarterly reporting," he said.

"We're delighted the Government is listening to the concerns of business owners, who are already facing major new responsibilities including workplace pension schemes and the National Living Wage."

HMRC had originally said that only employees or pensioners with profits of no more than £10,000 from a 'secondary income' would be exempt, but small firms and landlords with an annual turnover or gross income below £10,000 are also now included.