Starling has launched a new set of tools for its business customers, including AI-powered features, to help them manage their money.

The bank has also rolled out features which it says makes it easier for SMEs to get paid along with the bank’s HMRC-recognised “Making Tax Digital” software.

The “Making Tax Digital” software, available in the new year, is embedded within the bank’s sole-trader account, which Starling said enables its customers to send information to HMRC directly from their account.

The move comes ahead of a new HMRC rules set for April next year which will require landlords and sole traders with an income over £50,000 to keep digital financial records for Income Tax Self-Assessment.

Starling’s offering follows the company’s acquisition of tax-accounting software platform, Ember, in August.

By integrating the Ember solution into Starling’s app, Starling said sole trader and SME accounts will have everything business leaders need for “Making Tax Digital”, with no reliance on third party software.

The bank said customers will be able to see tax deadlines in their Starling account, create, store and correct digital records of self-employment, property income and expenses, and file updates directly to HMRC.

Starling has also revealed a range of new tools to help customers get paid and manage their money, including mobile invoicing, designed to generate invoices from the mobile app in seconds.

The digital bank added that it has also updated its popular Spending Intelligence feature, which allows SME leaders to use natural language to understand their spending habits.

Customers can now track their spend across the tax year in addition to the calendar year.

“At Starling, we’re always trying to anticipate what our customers will need next to help make managing their money easier,” said Adeel Hyder, managing director of SME banking at Starling Bank. “All our new tools will make it smoother for business owners to run their SMEs, especially as everything is accessible directly from their bank accounts.

“This will help our customers save time and effort when it comes to looking after their finances.”

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