We have prepared client's tax returns for the last 3 years with no problems Have been chasing for 2018-19 information with no answers forthcoming
Just checked on HMRC website to find Iam no longer listed as the agent
Why couldn't the client just tell me rather than waste my time. I've not been approached my another firm so am just left in the dark
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We have seen this increase over the past year or two.. What infuriates me is the number of so called backroom accountants working for cash and without practising licences. This is where they tend to migrate to.
Also you have the cloud software (tv advertised) which claims you just press the button and technically dont need an accountant.
Happens all the time. I think I may have 2 this year who will do the same. Usually prompt each year, been chasing for months, 3 months left to file isn't like them at all. Got a feeling ill see another accountant submitted returns if I check.
we had one earlier this year who had ignored requests for records - it turned out they were trying to complete their tax return themselves - its a complicated return return with foreign income and pension tapering
they had the cheek to phone us up asking for our help in how to do it and what income to include in what sections!!
needless to say we promptly disengaged
Yes, I've had that happen too. A client said he had done his own Tax Return and also the Capital Allowances (part personal use). Would I mind just checking the Return and as it shouldn't take me long, he'd pay me for an hour of my time!
I told him to take his business elsewhere, in no uncertain terms.
We've had clients who we've lost authority for for no reason. HMRC have no record of any new agent or a request to revoke our authority... it just ended.
Still made us go through the normal process to reactivate it.
It happens all the time and it's so inconsiderate. They clearly think they can do better themselves. More fool them!
I must admit we do a check after about 3 reminders as this happens to us regularly too.
I never see why its so hard to say "Hi, we have gone elsewhere now/are doing our own" rather than just blanking you.
Its really rude and wastes a lot of time.
Is there a possibility that they've been moved by HMRC to PD1? HMRC don't seem to inform taxpayer or agent but simply disappear from agent list, as paper based unit.
That happened to a client of mine. A lot of time was then wasted finding out what had happened at HMRC.
HMRC told me when this happened to a client of mine - we got a letter saying that he would need to file paper returns in the future and that his records would not be accessible on line.
I feel your pain. We also do a regular and remove clients who submit their own returns or haven't submitted them as at 31/1 - just to avoid being tainted.
I agree however - if someone is receiving reminders and you've acted for some time, why wouldn't you just drop your accountant a quick email and say "I've done it myself". Rude.
Happened a few times, and it will be because the client perceives the relationship in a completely different way from you. In their view, they have asked you to complete one or more tax returns. They might or might not ask you to complete another. Compare it with using a hairdresser - you go for a few years, then you go somewhere else. You don't feel any need to tell the old hairdresser that you are leaving.
Like it or not, that's how many clients see things. I just accept it and move on.
Until a return is not submitted and then of course it was an ongoing relationship!
I have about 5 which could turn into one off returns, although I did not know it at the time. They are not my priority and have had 2 reminders so far.
Yes, that realisation has slowly dawned on me as well. I think you're right, though some do send me a "Dear John, it's not you, it's me" letter.
Frustratingly, a decent sized client (£15k, 7%) 3 months ago said ‘things aren’t going as I want, you’re on 3 months notice”. Obviously I asked what was going wrong, agreed & both confirmed by email exactly what he wanted in what format, all good. All was going well, all communication from then was just general queries ie nothing negative.
Just had professional clearance letters through.
This is the client who 15 months ago the previous accountants signed their handover letter “good luck”.
TBH if it wasn’t for the money I’m glad I no longer act, he was starting to try and pull the wool over the bank’s eyes.
"Good Luck" letter is warning of imminent trouble.
Insert standard paragraph in Engagement Letter saying that if previous accountant uses the phrase "Good Luck" then engagement is null and void.
If only!
Yes, "good luck" is definitely a warning sign.
It can be but also be careful as we received a reply to a clearance letter from an active user on this very forum and it was signed off "Good Luck..." but theyve turned into one of our best clients! It was clearly sour grapes and the client is good to work with and a great fee to match.
Why did she disappear from your client list at HMRC? Did her husband forge her 64-8 signature?
Or the firm pushed it through the online request. Code, issued, given to the new agency, not a form to be signed...
I'm just about to send a disengagement letter to someone who has done just this. It happens once or twice every year.
While she is embarrassed, offer to do the husband’s tax return and get him to move to you instead.
They don't ring up Sainsburys and tell them they are going shopping in Tescos now... why should they tell you?
That's their perspective...
Just get used to I,t you are not their mam/mom/mum …...depending where you are reading this.....
We've just had this with a Ltd Co client - they even rang me up to arrange a handover meeting saying there were a few things they needed to go through, then they bailed at the last minute and made noises about rearranging. Then total silence. Phonecalls went unanswered, same with emails. In the end we sent a text pretty much assuming they had gone elsewhere and they finally replied to confirm it. And yet when we originally met I would have said they were professional and confident and not the type to ghost their accountant. I can only assume that in the past they've not dealt with accountants who bother with formal disengagement.