Is the charge for a self assessment tax return with CGT fair

Is the charge for a self assessment tax return...

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Last year a London based client moved to myself from another accountant.

Before moving the previous accountant sent her the tax return which was forwarded onto me.  I identified a number of areas of costs that has been omitted and ended up saving £600 in tax (she had two rental properties in total).  She was also selling a rental property at the time and wanted me to work out the CGT.  I never charged anything for the free advice or CGT calc (perhaps foolishly) but was keen to make a good impression and wanted her Limited company business which I got.

She has sold the property and have quoted £400 (not VAT registered) for CGT and two rental properties.  She says the fee is too high but I think it is more than fair. Who is right ?

Replies (6)

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By cheekychappy
20th Nov 2015 17:28

My price would depend on the time taken and how much the other work from this client is worth to me. 

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Replying to Wanderer:
Red Leader
By Red Leader
20th Nov 2015 18:09

very fair

I think that's very fair. Personally, I might have quoted £300-£350 but then VAT would be added to that.

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By Tim Vane
20th Nov 2015 18:33

You have set her expectations on price poorly. She will probably go elsewhere if you don't lower your price, but that's the way it goes. Stand firm - even if you keep her she is never going to value your services so you'll never be able to charge a fair price. Write it off to experience and move on.

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By mgandc
21st Nov 2015 14:53

what does she think?

You don't mention what does she think the price should be?

That would be my first question, if she comes back with a sensible price and a rationale for it, you can then discuss.  However if she says £100, then get rid pronto

I would agree with red leader, £300 ish plus vat for me

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By User deleted
22nd Nov 2015 10:22

Does the answer not depend heavily on the quality and complexity (or otherwise) of information that the client provides? Decent coherent records ought to make it relatively straightforward to produce rental accounts and a CGT computation. A bag of incomplete, unsorted paperwork covering a period with major spend, etc., could be a nightmare job.

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By Tim Vane
23rd Nov 2015 03:14

@OP. Two further points occur to me. What do you charge for her Ltd Co accounts - are you also undervaluing that? I'd also be interested to know what missing costs you found on 2 rental properties that added up to £3000? Presumably the previous accountant was not claiming something fairly fundamental that you have subsequently introduced a deduction for. Would it not be worth offering to revisit past returns and make further savings? This may keep the client on board and generate more fees.

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