From today's Daily Telegraph - and worthy of the Daily Mail - now it seems we are to be responsible not just for our clients fessing up but paying up too
Methinks that soon it will be easier if we just send HMRC one cheque from our (meagre) resources every year for the sum total of all our clients liabilities.
Had to smile at the name of the Baker Tilly director they quoted: Lesley Fidler........
Replies (8)
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Strangely, the notice states
It will apply to dishonest conduct on or after 1 April 2013.
What happens to "dishonest conduct" before. Apparently further information is to be issued before 1 April. Leaving it somewhat late, aren't we?
Sounds reasonable
If an agent is deliberately on the fiddle they get treated accordingly. What's wrong with that? Haven't read the Telegraph piece but the HMRC bit doesn't sound like they're going after honest accountants with clients who pull a fast one without letting on. More like they're going after crooks regardless of whether they're acting as taxpayers or accountants.
Fewer dodgy accountants = more work for the rest of us
Agreed, Flash
Accountant or not, qualified or not - act dishonestly and expect to be treated accordingly.
As it should be
Accountant or not, qualified or not - act dishonestly and expect to be treated accordingly.
As it should be.
Agreed with Flash, BKD and Merlyn.
If HMRC want to penalise dishonest accountants, bring it on!
Dishonesty before 1 April 2013
I do not think HMRC are intending to suggest that you can be dishonest as you like before 1 April and that is OK with them!
Under existing laws dishonest accountants and taxpayers can be subject to criminal prosecution. But that is a cumbersome process with an uncertain outcome.
Tax agents can also currently be subject to a civil penalty under s99 TMA 1970. An agent who has been subject to a s99 penalty may then be required to open his files to HMRC under s20A TMA 1970.
As I understand it the proposal is to update both s99 and s20A.
David