Are these timescales too tight for accounts?

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Hi,

I am quoting for my first client and they've got tight timescales - they need accounts prepped and submitted by end of April (1 month)

As it's my first client I am still in the process of setting up corp tax agent and presenter id at companies House.

I have no problem with a month for accounts prep assuming the client plays ball but from experience can people tell me if one month is too tight to get corp tax agent codesp and presenter id from companies house? Unfortunately as I'm a new company I don't have experience of how long this takes and I don't want to promise a client of achieving something that I can't.

Do I also need to consider anything else with their existing accountant like obtaining any logins or codes that could hinder my effoets?

Thanks for your help in advance

Nick

Replies (7)

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By thevaliant
01st Apr 2019 22:57

For many of my clients, 9 months is too tight.

But yes, from what little I know I think 1 month can be a bit tight especially if its a new client.

Thanks (4)
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By pauld
02nd Apr 2019 09:14

I expect this client is wanting the accounts done cheaply. Have you asked why they are changing accountants at such a late stage? Although its your first client, don't let them walk all over you, advise that the timescale is tight and reflect this in your fee. This client will be doing the same thing next year either with you or another accountant. It could take a couple of weeks to get the handover information from the previous accountants and this assumes that there are no outstanding fees. I would say proceed with caution and do not promise things that you cannot deliver and do not underquote. With regard to codes etc, you may need to request the Authentication Code for the company from the previous accountants as client never usually has this.

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By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
02nd Apr 2019 09:33

Always come back to the fact its a £150 fine, no big deal.

if the client quibbles that, its their fault for leaving such a short time period. Point this out now, and if the brown stuff hits the fan, its their problem and it might teach them not to sit on their hands for 8 months.

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By cbp99
02nd Apr 2019 12:15

Presumably you have four months to submit the CT return (though any tax has to be paid May 1st).
Authentication code for Companies House usually arrives in a few days, if not already to hand.

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By leicsred
02nd Apr 2019 12:18

You could post the accounts anyway if the worst came to the worst

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By nick2404
02nd Apr 2019 15:45

Thanks for your feedback.

In response, yes it does appear to be fee-related as they are council funded and are trying to get value for money.

I have politely declined as I didn't want to take the risk on my reputation so early on in my business and have suggested they come back to me once this years accounts are out the way.

Thanks again.

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By pauljohnston
09th Apr 2019 10:23

Well done. You should always look at first time late comers as being poor fee payers so expect to ask for a payment up from - at least 50% of your total fee. We ask for 100%

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