What happens in practice when agent A prepares tax return, tax payer then moves to agent B and then HMRC enquire into return prepared by agent A?
Can't imagine it's too pleasant, seeing as most moves are precipitated by falling out.
RR
Replies (5)
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Get the Inspector on your side
This has happened more times to me than I care to remember. The info from the ex-accountant is not worth a light and I end up redoing the last set of accounts. But, hey, the Revenue (let's still call them that, eh?) could not be more helpful. With the usual stuff about wanting to clear this case, the taxpayer wanting to pay his/her dues etc. it is amazing how quickly cases get closed with the right result - Taxman happy, client happy and new accountant happy (and wealthier). I love Section 9A cases coming from a previous professional relationship. Graham Easton
Enquiry ongoing
Colin,
The enquiry has yet to be concluded - after 18 months and at least one interview - but the client has paid nothing in fees yet. (The slow response of his accountant was the reason for the client changing accountants in the first place.)
Thanks for your comments
I rather think if I had an ex client come back to me because he had no choice, I would ask for regular payments rather than waiting 8 months!
Let previous agent handle it.
I had this situation about 18 months ago. As it would have involved a trawl through the previous accounting records, with no working papers to help, I passed it back to the previous agent. It was not an entirely amicable situation when I took the client over (and I continue to act for him) but all parties agreed that it would be the best way to handle the enquiry. My 64-8 authorisation remains in force, but the client specifically authorised the Inspector to deal with the old agent on all matters relating to his enquiry.
Did the client pay his ex-accountant?
Peter,
I am dying to know.....did the client happily pay his ex-accountant for dealing with the enquiry???