Following on from previous posts on this topic. To summarise - on completing the tax return (well actually a questionnaire) but before submitting, there is no longer the facility to save/print a pdf version of the full tax return which includes the pages for client's signature. At present all we get is pages and pages of the questionnaire we have just completed without a tax calculation (can be printed off separately), nor client signing pages. I am not sure about anyone else, but I could not send this to any of my clients.
Help line told me that as I have a 64-8, the client doesn't need to sign the return - I can just go ahead and submit it!! Any comments on this?
Or I can download a paper return, complete it by hand, get my client to sign it and then go online, complete their questionnaire and submit it.
I have now sent an email to [email protected]. I have no idea whether this is a relevant email address but searching the web site, this seems as near as I could get. I have complained about their latest rewrite, have asked when we can expect the pdf download and client signature pages to be available and have put them on notice that until I receive notification these facilities are available I will be dowloading and completing paper returns, but will be submitting by post, not online. I have also advised them that if this is still not available after 31st October, I will continue to submit paper returns and will be appealing any penalties on the basis the online filing site is unworkable for an Agent.
This is really adding to earlier posts warning about this problem and suggesting that if you use HMRC software to file returns, you should possibly start contacting the Revenue now, because the more complaints they get, the more likely they are to take some notice.
Meantime, if all interested parties comment here and ask to be advised of further comments by email, I will update this when and if I get a response.
Anne White
Replies (10)
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Grrr
I would like to be kept informed.
At the fourth time of asking about the PDF issue, I was advised on nthe 18th April that this "urgent issue" was being investigated. Thus far, nada.
Online filing
Last Fri (25th) I attended an HMRC Online Services Workshop with other local practitioners and 'customers' of the Revenue where we were asked how many present used HMRC software and there were a number of people who put their hand up. We all complained about the lack of pdf Tax return and just got a 'email/ write on the sheet we will give you at the end of the session and it will be looked into' reply. The lecturers then proceeded to try to tell us how wonderful the site was etc etc
My small number of (elderly) clients wont understand the questionnaire - its too long and too messy and they will not be happy in not being able to sign something that looks like a return. (I too am worried about PI). Some clients have queried the fact that they received just a piece of paper requesting a return this year as I submitted all online last year using HMRC programme. I took over the small practice last year and it was all I could do to make them appreciate that the return would not longer be prepared by hand!
You can forget about a pdf return on the Revenue website - it wont happen. The Online workshops have been going for some weeks now and nothing has been done so far has it? At the Seminar we were told to keep looking at the 'Working Together' website for any notification that it will happen... nothing so far. I dont have time to wait - this is costing me money.
So after spending time loading onto the Revenue website in previous years I too am going to have to relent and purchase a commercial package.
Totally agree with Anne
Having just started on the tax returns, after wading through the PAYE year end filing, I was also horrified to see the disappearance of the pdf return and in its place a badly designed summary list, and no signature for authority page.
I may also have to buy a tailored package, which is a shame, as the revenue online system was fine last year and worked well, I suppose one way would be to send the detailed calculation to the client (I think it has a number stamp on it) and ask for a confirmation email quoting the number stamp and giving authority as complete, as the calculation would show all income sources.
Would that work ?
IS it worth complaining? I have already done so but such a little voice compared to the large practices.
Any recommendations for the software ? for a small practice ?
Are these any use
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/forms/net-07-08.htm#a
I do empathise with your predicament and my last post did not make this clear. I hope your new software is much better.
Am I mistaken in the following regarding our imported tax system:-
Do elderly and less well off folk in Aus, USA and Canada have a government funded troop of students and volunteers who help the disadvantaged navigate their way through the tax system?
Addendum
Can you use a TR6 signature page of a blank downloaded return. I doubt this would satisfy your insurers, but it would highlight the lengths you have gone to.
revenue link to authority statement
https://online.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/application?namespace=re&origin=faqM...
Found the above limk which is an authority referenced to the stamp on the return copy.
May help ?
2008 HMRC Filing Software
I totally agree with Anne.
I am in a very similar position as regards clients and if I am to download a Return for the client to sign before I submit the online 'questionnaire' I may as well just copy it and mail it. It will be much quicker all round. If enough agents do this then HMRC may then review what they have done and provide a PDF version.
Signatures are no longer required
Hi Anne,
At a recent talk, HMRC official Nigel Henshaw explained, "We no longer require a wet signature if it's sent online. An email statement is acceptable."
If the SA Online system doesn't give you a suitable summary page, you could always get the client to review their return online. When a return is ready for filing, Henshaw said the online system generates a 32-digit identity code. If you include that in an email to the client asking for approval, the return mail will verify that the authorisation relates to that exact return.
As Anon has already pointed out, if you're doing more than just a few returns, the efficiencies you get in data entry, online filing and record-keeping from commercial software will more than outweigh the costs.
John Stokdyk
Technology editor
AccountingWEB.co.uk