Just had someone call us (not a client) saying they need to file their ct600 by the end of this month. They are happy to pay and will be doing it in their name. I am just wondering if anyone knows of software you can use that doesnt need prior user ID etc with HMRC or if there is any way of them filing this by the 30th? Their figures and activity are small but not dormant.
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Hmm. A deadline of Monday does not leave you much time to review the accounts and carry out MLR checks etc. Remember they are filing it in YOUR name with YOUR code, not theirs, so all your usual due diligence and review would need to be done of the accounts and tax return. Personally, it would take me longer to check somebody's accounts and return than to do the work myself, and I would not even consider being able to do that by Monday, but it depends how busy your weekend is and how much you can charge them. All seems pointless for the penalties involved, especially as (I assume) the tax was paid months ago.
Also, do be very careful that this is not a scam. Be very suspicious if the tax return ends up showing a repayment and triply suspicious if there is a nominee name entered for the repayment amount. Make sure you verify the director(s) you meet against the details at CH and refuse to do anything unless you are 100% sure everything is above board. Scams of that kind are more common with personal returns, especially in the last few days of January, but company repayment scams are not unknown and agents under pressure will often act in poor judgement and file something without the necessary checks.
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All of what Tim said and make sure you get cleared funds on Monday before its filed.
People who wait 2 days before the deadline to appoint an accountant wont be too fussy about paying your bill.
personally I would smell trouble and tell them to scram.
Was there an existing accountant before they approached you. If the answer is yes refuse the assignment for all the reasons given above plus you need clarification of why they left the existing firm and professional clearance. What are the possible penalties the "client " may incur to cause them to get this excited at the last minute and as an alternative pay your increased fee. Sounds dubious - tread carefully
As an extra precaution - run a check on current and previous directors to see what they've been/are involved with.
No has fewer letters than Yes and brings peace of mind in the wee small hours of the morning