And so the much-threatened Business Record Checks letters arrive. I expected the odd one - but for some reason I have 11 on day one, All of them giving a couple of weeks grace to contact them or to await a call in a couple of weeks time from them.
The letter posits three conclusions from their chat - (a) Fine, you can go on your way, nothing to see here, (b) we'll invite our Business Education Support Team to contact you to offer re-education and (c) we'll be round to check your records. In general terms our clients are pretty clueless and their bookkeeping varies from plastic bag techniques to itemised spreadsheets. A couple of clients on my Day One list will be ringing them, but the volumes being selected here appear very high and I can't think they'll have the manpower to chat through things properly.
But then maybe it's me being picked on. Does anyone know the volume involved with this exercise?
Replies (14)
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As long as...
...your clients records are fine I'd advise each client to politely decline; drafting a standard letter for them to use, to the effect that any further communication about the matter has to be via yourself as agent..
I just called the business records check number as we received an agent copy of the notice. They accept agents responses and it is a quick process to answer the questions and put the clients mind at rest. But remember you need to know about your client as they have to ask the questions to you as if you are the client as they don't have an alternate questionnaire.
Having an accountant/agent/representative answer on your behalf automatically gives you more than 2/3 of the score needed to bump you to visit level. Fact. Revenue are scoring differently for taxpayers not answering the questions themselves.
Having an accountant/agent
Mmoneypennyy007 - Dare I ask if you have inside knowledge ?? MarionMorrison's detailed response above ["The Actual Questions"] makes considerable sence to me - as I'm sure it probably does to other practitioners.... - or, am I just being naieve?? My first BRC on a client arrived this morning and whilst I wouldn't say I was expecting it on that particular client, I had obviously known for a while that as a Hairdresser dealing in 90% cash she would be a prize target and consequently have always tended to "go-the-extra-mile" in my thoroughness on her affairs. So, my question is - to anyone feeling 'brave enough' to answer is what really would give the BEST outcome for the client - ie, the one which would involve the least hassle for all concerned?? Anyone?
PS to my earlier post.....
...I meant: Would it be best for me as Agent to make the call or, leave the client to flounder? I think the records are pretty good but, of course, she is not a book-keeper!
If a client (or agent) was less than economical with the truth when answering the questions for the business record check, and a client then had an enquiry later from HMRC due to some other reason, and they found out that the records were not as "good" as was stated in the business record check, would that then not have dire repercussions?
what i was thinking was that if you told HMRC during the business record check telephione call that say 95% of your income and expenditure was by cheque (not Cash) when the actual figures may have been more like 50 / 50.
by saying 95% were by check you probabaly avoid a visit whereas in a 50 / 50 scenario would would have one for sure
BRC
Hi have received a similar letter and just wondered if you had spoken to HMRC yest and if so how did you get on?
BRC
Hi
We've just had one of these lovely missives. Can anyone confirm that it is true about agent replying actually prompting a visit? I want to take the pressure of the phonecall off my client, but I'd rather she did the call with me present if my taking it off her will cause a visit.
Thanks
Business record check
I had a letter from HMR & C for business record check in August . I called the business records check number and after a couple of question, they suggested that they would like to come and visit me at my home end of the months!. I am not sure what kind of record they want to see or what kind of questions they are going to ask? Will they review the records or ask questions ,What ,What .....Any help?