Very small practice software

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I am considering retiring from full time practice in a years time but may still continue to look after some friends and family - Companies, CT Returns and SA Returns.

I estimate these to number approximately:

5-7 companies/CT Returns and 10-15 SA Tax Returns

Suggestions of any cost effective software solutions would be most appreciated.

Replies (12)

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By daniel_
01st Nov 2018 11:18

Taxfiler is £10 + VAT per month for up to 50 returns and can prepare company accounts, CT returns and SA returns.

It's also very easy to use and does a very good job.

Thanks (2)
Replying to daniel_:
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By chrisacc1985
01st Nov 2018 16:49

I am also a small practice and have found TaxFiler brilliant.

The one concern with it is that a few months ago it was bought out by IRIS and so there is a threat of the price rising or the service going down the pan.

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Replying to chrisacc1985:
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By ashmehta
02nd Nov 2018 12:25

Many thanks !
I shall look it up.
Would be a bit ironic as I have been with IRIS for the past 25 years !

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By frankfx
03rd Nov 2018 18:06

Taxfiler. A Caveat.

check demo ref 10661066

Mr Test TEST TEST

then look at data input

''close company loan written off''

check the entry and outcome

compare with
''dividend from uk companies income''

..........................................................

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Replying to frankfx:
RLI
By lionofludesch
03rd Nov 2018 18:20

Yeah but those demos are just Joe Public trying it all out. That's not Taxfiler choosing what box the stuff goes in.

I could put a new Tax Return there now and stick dividends received in as PAYE tax on employment.

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By frankfx
03rd Nov 2018 19:49

Not so.

Tax filer DATA INPUT Tab is highly prescriptive .

Select a section

Then a Taxfiler data entry screen pops up.

Leading one by the nose, novice and expert alike .

I attempted to inform Taxfiler of the 'loan write-off'' grossing -up error.
The data entry screen not corrected from the previous dividend regime

But could not get pass switchboard receptionist

''our software is cheap and we do not speak to users ''

Me ''Can you repeat that''

''Yes, our software is cheap and we do not speak to users ''

So the data screen requires amendment and the results that ensue ....... additional tax at 32.5+% .

The form SA101 shows the ££ grossed -up value.

One would need to be alert at the data input stage that the item is marked as ''net loan''
( now a dead parrot ) .......... and the consequences that follow by this benign memo...... through to the SA101 and the £ tax that a higher rate individual would pay.

It's wrong. But £ Taxfiler cheap wrong.

This is just a Heads -up. The software offers remarkable value.

Thanks (2)
Replying to frankfx:
By Tim Vane
03rd Nov 2018 23:19

That's right, they don't offer phone support, but send an email to taxfiler support with an issue, they respond usually right away and will sort anything quickly. Fantastic value, and fewer bugs than any software I've used in 20 years. If you think you have a bug then email them but yes if you want phone support you have to go elsewhere. Also the software is usually updated all the time, but I don't think the demo is updated very often.

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By Norfolkfella
08th Nov 2018 10:34

We use Capium, speak to them and they will give you specific pricing for the number of clients you intend to process if you won't fill the licences provided in the various subscription options.

Works well, never had a problem filing and system is up and running all the time.

Have never been able to import TB from CSV very effectively and find it easier to just journal the TB in from whichever system client uses for accounts.

Thanks (2)
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By David Gordon FCCA
08th Nov 2018 10:56

This is a problem many of us have to resolve.
I have found that the reality is: (unless your clients are really all of one species)With accounting software mostly, and certainly with tax software, one requires the whole thing. Logically because even if only one client is a little green man with business on Pluto and Earth, you still require the software needed to action his/hers/its affairs, MTD anyone?
Besides, you still have the cost both financial and time, of CPD et al.
One solution is a carefully worded contract, contracting out all the accounts preparation and filing and tax work to a reputable practitioner. Then you act as it were similar to a partner in Deloitte's, just being the front end advisor and friend to your clients. That way you ride the horse but the peasants muck out the stables.
It depends if your clients expect that because you are "Retiring" they will now get a Pro Bono job.
By the time you work out all the direct costs you will save, and time, it is a sensible deal.

Thanks (0)
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By David Gordon FCCA
08th Nov 2018 10:56

This is a problem many of us have to resolve.
I have found that the reality is: (unless your clients are really all of one species)With accounting software mostly, and certainly with tax software, one requires the whole thing. Logically because even if only one client is a little green man with business on Pluto and Earth, you still require the software needed to action his/hers/its affairs, MTD anyone?
Besides, you still have the cost both financial and time, of CPD et al.
One solution is a carefully worded contract, contracting out all the accounts preparation and filing and tax work to a reputable practitioner. Then you act as it were similar to a partner in Deloitte's, just being the front end advisor and friend to your clients. That way you ride the horse but the peasants muck out the stables.
It depends if your clients expect that because you are "Retiring" they will now get a Pro Bono job.
By the time you work out all the direct costs you will save, and time, it is a sensible deal.

Thanks (0)
Donald MacKenzie
By Donald MacKenzie
08th Nov 2018 10:58

I would recommend FTax Software. You can buy individual subscriptions or bundles.
If doing any book keeping then VT works well.

Thanks (1)
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By PChapman
08th Nov 2018 11:28

I'm using Taxfiler for returns and 12pay for payroll
both are cheap to run for a small practice, both have been bought out by bigger competitors (my fingers are crossed that they continue to serve the market they were designed for)
Most companies seem to prefer e-mail support these days, cheaper to administer and cuts out the numpty questions. The Co would need screenshots etc to be able to escalate and fix bugs anyway

Thanks (1)