Save content
Have you found this content useful? Use the button above to save it to your profile.

Tax return lite, or the complete works?

26th Jan 2011
Save content
Have you found this content useful? Use the button above to save it to your profile.

I suppose it's a bit late in the day to be questioning how we submit Tax Returns, but one of our new tax team members has mentioned that in his previous practice (a large firm) they always filed full tax computations with their Returns. Since self assessment started I have always adopted the practice of filing no more than HMRC ask for - which is just the Return.

So are we out of sync with the rest of the profession, or have we got it right?

My understanding is that there is no point submitting anything with a Tax Return unless we specifically draw the Revenue's attention to it in the white space on the Return and explain exactly why we are giving them something in addition. Otherwise we still have no defence against 'discovery' by HMRC.

Our experience is that HMRC virtually never look at what we put on the white space anyway so I can't see any value in sending computations etc in with a Return. If we are going to send in supporting documents, we are going to have to put a whole lot more on the Returns to make it a worthwhile exercise. Personally I can't see the point.

Anyone disagree?

Tags:

You might also be interested in

Replies (2)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

avatar
By Chris Smail
27th Jan 2011 10:37

We're with you

If its important stick it in the white space, anything else is a waste of time.

Sometimes 'As per our letter of .. we have...'

Thanks (0)
PJ
By paulgrca.net
27th Jan 2011 13:05

Agreed

Never submit anything else.

Not sure about white space either. A few years ago during an aspect enquiry Inspector asked for information which was reported on white space. When I queried why he was asking for information already reported on the return received an apology and an admission that he could not view white space on his screen shot of the return!

 

Thanks (0)