Monthly Payment of fixed fee

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:33:54 +0000

Hi,

I am a new practice that has only been established for 3 months. I operate on a fixed fee basis and I ask the client to pay these monthly.

I've recently had an enquiry from a ltd company who is nearing their year end. I'm wondering how other accountants structure their fee's on instances like this.

If I charge my fixed fee monthly then the client will have only paid for a few months yet I will have produced the year-end accounts etc and they will still need to pay me the remainder of my fee.

Corporation Tax Agent Maintainer address

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:41:45 +0000

Registered office problem

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:55:09 +0000

We often allow clients to use our office as their company registered office, in line with many other firms. This is usually fine, but I have encountered a problem with one client who has several companies registered at our office. The client (sole director/shareholder of the companies) has stopped communicating with us, does not return calls or e-mails and appears to have moved as post is being returned to us.

Do MLR ID Checks apply if services are donated??

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:52:05 +0000

I am sole director of a small bookkeeping/accountancy business (limited Co) and wish to know if I donate my services to a charitable venture ( a company limited by guarantee currently seeking charitable status) do I still need to obtain all the ID checks and comply with the Money Laundering Regulations.

Thanks

Brian

CPD provider recommendations?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:01:04 +0000

Which CPD providers would you recommend for a small start up sole practicioner?

I have a mix of personal and corporate clients. I want to be up to date with developments mainly in small company accounts, audit and tax.

Thanks

I need accounts disclosure checklists, any good ones you would recommend?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:57:39 +0000

I am a new start up with about 10 small company accounts so far (FRSSE 2008)

I need reliable and user-friendly interactive accounts disclosure checklists.

Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance

Sole employee /sole director - Will IR 35 apply?

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:21:59 +0000

Xero - Cloud Computing

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:25:20 +0000

I am looking into having online accounting/bookeeping package. I looked at Xero it looks good. I liked the instructional videos and the look of Xero. I have not subscribed for the trail version yet. Will do later.

I would apprecaite any fedback on Xero.

Thanks

Possible PI claim

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:45:27 +0000

Following an IR enquiry 2 errors were found - 1 by the client & one by me. The tax demanded is correct & would have been payable in 2007 had I not made the error in a late adjustment. The client's bank account has been o/d throughout the period since 2007 so he has not incurred any actual loss - he is just being hit with some tax he didn't know about - approx £3.5K. I will pick up any penalty so, ignoring that, will a PI claim succeed in these circumstances? or is it the unjustified enrichment argument?

Unlocking previous period

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:55:11 +0000

Is it possible to unlock a previous period in VT transactions+? Help please, I've forgotten to post a dividend!

Terms of business - standard format

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:59:32 +0000

Hi All

At last, new clients! I am trying to sort out Engagement Letters and would also like to attach Terms of Business so would be very grateful if anyone is willing to share their standard format with me and any tips.

Thank you

Industry guides

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:33:16 +0000

A few years ago it used to be possible to buy Parkes Business Focus reports on various industries via the AccountingWeb site. These provided performance and benchmarking information as well as key areas for tax investigations. These are no longer available, so does anyone know of a similar source?

How do you bill for time and ideas

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:57:16 +0000

Got a contact in a business that was charged £2,500 for advice on the salary/dividend question. They viewed this as a bit over the top as initially they were quoted £1,500. I've looked at their books and have suggested they make company pension contributions to give long term benefits that will be tax deductable. If I refer to an IFA to consult regarding the best pension options then I've given an idea that the business wants but I've no idea how to charge for this advice. All I've had is an idea but at the same time this is exactly what the busines

How to register with SOCA

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:16:28 +0000

I've tried twice to register online with SOCA, once this week and once three months ago.

Both times I was given a password, and told that my second password would be emailed to me. It wasn't, so I contacted the helpline, and they phoned me back the next day with the second password - which doesn't work.

I can't phone the helpline now as it states "they are too busy" and the calls is cut automatically.

Template Marketing Letters for Accountants

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:12:13 +0000

I am looking to but oractice marketing template letters. Where is the best place to but these.

I have tried 2020 group - not for me.

Thanks

Fit notes

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:16:19 +0000

From what I can see, this is a further burden on employers, another straw on the creaking camel of commerce. They now have to make special allowances, special hours, light duties etc to pander to the malingerers.

Cancellation Rights

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:16:12 +0000

Hello

I've become aware of the "Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc Regulations 2008" and am a bit concerned.

I go out to clients work places to see them but I always follow up any visit with a formal Letter of Engagement which they sign a copy of and return it to me. Currently my letter makes no reference to a Notice of Right to Cancel or Cancellation form .. Can anyone advise me please, Am I am complying with the regs?

Fees charged - Hourly rate or % of reclaim ??

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:31:54 +0000

I am an FCCA in general practice and charge out the work I do regarding tax and vat refunds/reclaims based on my hourly rate plus any disbursements.

I know that some practitioners charge a % of the refunds/reclaims.

I am also aware that some unscrupulous "practitioners" and none qualified agents bump up the value of refunds/claims and base their fee on a % of the amount refunded to the client which is very underhand and rightly subject to more intense Revenue scrutiny.

Making an insurance claim on buildings: any advice?

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:32:05 +0000

3 years ago, I bought a small office building for my business.I had a survey done. The property is 20 years old and got a clean bill of health. I am now selling the building, and have a potential buyer. He got a survey done, and his surveyor has listed a number of problems with the structure, and the lender requires £42k 'repairs' to be carried out before they will lend. Incidentally, none of these problems is visible to the layperson!

New Loss Making Ltd Co.

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:15:49 +0000

Company formed last year and Director has not yet taken a salary as loss making. I know a provision can be made for salary earnt but not paid but seem to recall that it actually has to be paid within a certain timescale?

Can anyone help?

Many thanks.