Tax return checklist

Tax return checklist

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I have not previously sent out checklists to clients for whom I prepare self assessment tax return, but I think this would be a good idea to ensure that nothing is missed, especially as my client base has expanded this year, and I have new clients who I do not so well - so their various income sources are not necessarily known to me.

I wondered if anyone had a self-assessment checklist for clients that they would be willing to share, or any tips on putting one together?

Many thanks.

Replies (25)

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By petersaxton
02nd Apr 2013 08:53

Tax return software?

Doesn't your tax return software produce a list or you can adapt it from what you have to enter?

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By sparkler
02nd Apr 2013 09:02

HMRC software does not produce a list.

I use HMRC's free software for tax returns (I have purchased software for accounts and payroll, but the cost does mount up when my client base is small!).  This unfortunately does not have a list as far as I know, but if anyone knows otherwise then please let me know how to obtain it on the free software.

Others on this forum have recently mentioned sending out checklists to clients, but having not seen such a checklist before, I would appreciate sight of one to ensure I have not left anything out.  

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By User deleted
02nd Apr 2013 10:00

Mine is produced ...

... by IRIS, so I would be in breach of copyright to share!

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Replying to bobuk:
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By sparkler
02nd Apr 2013 10:17

HMRC software.

[quote=Phil A Sheoh]

... just send your clients a link to your software provider's online questionnaire?

[/quote

Because, as I mentioned, I do not use a software provider for tax returns, as I use HMRC's software which does not have such a questionnaire.

I have now researched further online and found a couple of useful questionnaires which I will have a look at before compiling my own.

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Replying to bobuk:
By petersaxton
02nd Apr 2013 10:26

Yes they do

sparkler]</p> <p>[quote=Phil A Sheoh wrote:

... just send your clients a link to your software provider's online questionnaire?

[/quote

Because, as I mentioned, I do not use a software provider for tax returns, as I use HMRC's software which does not have such a questionnaire.

I have now researched further online and found a couple of useful questionnaires which I will have a look at before compiling my own.

When they ask you for information to complete online just copy the page and adapt it into a questionnaire.

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By petersaxton
02nd Apr 2013 10:14

I prepared 13 company accounts last week

if I send you all the work I've done can you review it and tell me if I missed anything?

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Replying to Glennzy:
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By sparkler
02nd Apr 2013 10:33

That is a little harsh!

petersaxton wrote:

if I send you all the work I've done can you review it and tell me if I missed anything?

I hope you realise that is not what I meant.  I wanted to send a checklist to my clients for whom I prepare tax returns, and I wanted to make sure that I included everything in that checklist that they might need to send me to complete their tax return, and as other comments on this forum have recently mentioned sending out checklists to clients, I just thought I would ask if anyone minded sharing theirs so that I can ensure I have included all potential sources of income in my own checklist.  

The other week, I mentioned in a comment that I had created a simple spreadsheet to record expenses, invoice details etc for simple one man band limited companies, and I then received several PMs requesting a copy of the spreadsheet.  I sent it quite happily to all of them, as I saw no reason not to share something useful that I had created with others. 

As a sole practitioner, I find Any Answers an invaluable source of advice and support, but I do always think carefully before posting a question in case it will come across as silly, unprofessional, or something I should know already.  I thought this was a fairly innocuous query and was quite surprised by Peter's slightly cutting response, as I would never dream of asking another forum member to review my work!  I have now found what I was looking for freely available online, but thank you to all who responded.

 

 

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Replying to Tim Vane:
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By WhichTyler
03rd Apr 2013 12:22

I think...

...petersaxton's point is that even if someone sends you a checklist, how will you know it is comprehensive without comparing it to HMRC online questions, and you own professional knowledge? And by the time you have done that, you may as well have written it yourself...

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Replying to HMRCVictim:
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By monksview
03rd Apr 2013 11:52

Hi Phil

Just updating mine too. Would be interesting to see the HMRC one, can you point me to where it is on their site?

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By papalazarou
02nd Apr 2013 12:04

I have one

Sparkler

I have prepared an excel checklist for new clients and tax returns. If it helps I will send you a copy. The checklist will obviously evolve over time as I take on clients but happy to share with another part time practice.

 Send me a PM if your interested.

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By petersaxton
02nd Apr 2013 17:30

It's best to prepare your own

because you know what you want from clients and how they will respond.

I have prepare a request but I change it every year in the light of changes in the law and responses by my clients.

You could put everything under the sun in or you could just mention a few broad categories.

You could also vary in the level of explanation.

Why don't you put your effort on here and then people can make suggestions?

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By justphil
03rd Apr 2013 11:41

Tax Return Checklist

Whenever we are requesting tax return information from a new client we issue a simple 1 page document which covers most types of income and expenses. Send me a PM if you would like a copy.

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Replying to JeroldWinslow:
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By golders42
03rd Apr 2013 11:47

Tax Return Checklist

I would be grateful for a copy please to -   [email protected]

 

 

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Replying to JeroldWinslow:
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By tanyagel
08th Jun 2013 07:23

Tax return checklist

Could I be cheeky and ask for a copy also please?

Always good to have something to check against to make sure you are working on the same page - thanks

 

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By Sarah Saunders
03rd Apr 2013 12:17

Child Benefit

Don't forget the new child benefit claw back which came in in mid Janaury.  That will be awfully easy to miss.

Sarah

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By taxinfo
03rd Apr 2013 12:19

Don't forget to include .......

.....a question about whether or not your clients receive child benefit which became potentially taxable for the first time from 7th January this year.

 

EDIT: well, how about that? You just beat me to it, Sarah!

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By vboot2
05th Apr 2013 14:12

Tax returns checklist

I would be obliged if you could send me a copy olufred26athotmail.com

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By sparkler
03rd Apr 2013 22:52

child benefit

Thanks to those who mentioned child benefit - that is indeed one of the questions I had planned to include in my checklist.

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By jungtanv
03rd Apr 2013 23:51

Tax returns checklist
I would be grateful if you could send me a copy on [email protected]

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By markhenrylong10
04th Apr 2013 10:03

I would be grateful if you would send me a copy on [email protected].

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By User deleted
04th Apr 2013 10:10

Vultures are out again

Isn't it pitiful how many come out of the woodwork solely to get something for nothing.... Of you do realise that posting your emails like that opens you up to receiving all manner of rubbish by email now :)

 

 

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Replying to Monsoon:
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By taxinfo
04th Apr 2013 10:37

do not put your email address out in the open

Flash Gordon wrote:
you do realise that posting your emails like that opens you up to receiving all manner of rubbish by email now :)
Agreed, Flash.

NEVER post your email address online like that.

There are bots that crawl the web harvesting email addresses for spamming.

If you need to post it perhaps replace the @ with "AT" or similar, e.g freddy.krugerATelmstreet.com.

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Replying to Mattb22:
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By sparkler
04th Apr 2013 11:02

Agreed

taxinfo wrote:

Flash Gordon wrote:
you do realise that posting your emails like that opens you up to receiving all manner of rubbish by email now :)
Agreed, Flash.

NEVER post your email address online like that.

There are bots that crawl the web harvesting email addresses for spamming.

If you need to post it perhaps replace the @ with "AT" or similar, e.g freddy.krugerATelmstreet.com.

Agreed, that is very good advice.  My e-mail account was used for spamming just the other day - very inconvenient and annoying. I think if you want something from somebody, then sending your e-mail address in a PM with a bit of info and a please and thank you will probably get a better response than jumping on a thread!

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By justsotax
04th Apr 2013 11:08

and if you are really struggling....

perhaps try typing 'tax return checklist' in on google....it really ain't that hard....

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By Vishal_Kurani
14th Jul 2016 13:11

We have prepared a tax return checklist you can share with your clients. You can download it here but an email is required: http://bit.ly/29g8fBU

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