As we are in 'song mood'... 'Things can only get (worse') ... sorry D:Ream

The smaller personal accountants have seen the MTD light on the horizon and started to make moves to close as indicated in this and other threads. Where both of my offices are based no new accountants appear to be coming on the scene.

I only take on clients who are recommended (and have done so for a few years now) as I feel that if I turn them away the recommendee (current client) might think something is wrong with the business (ie its closing)

But I am getting more and more clients every month. I think Bernard is right. But I am also finding current clients are setting up additional businesses so I cant turn them away as they are already with me.

CW202 says that clients are getting worse in behaviour - I'm finding that they are nagging more - if the return isnt done within 2 weeks they start.. no patience as you say.

But I put that down to the 'Amazon effect'- people expecting things done immediately.

Only 3 years! Croner i sales people tried to get me to join up for 5!

Similar to Tornado I've known other practitioners who have had problems extracting themselves and the product is not that good when you delve deeper for the expense.

Re ICPA - they are good and there is no catch. It is run by the lovely Tony Margaritelli who really knows his stuff and is not afraid of having a go at HMRC.. a benefit in itself.

Go on their website under 'About' scroll down to the picture and he is the one on the far left.

Not sure whether these will help - but worth a read:

https://www.taxinsider.co.uk/keep-it-in-the-family

or here:

https://www.taxadvisermagazine.com/article/family

We use accountancymanager and as Its Accrualword says - its support is good and we are happy with it.
Has good AML system as well
Plus automatic reminders and e-signing.

There is a set procedure regarding such complaints and you should write - it will only take a few minutes.

See these articles for guidance:

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tax/hmrc-policy/how-hmrc-handles-complaints

And my article:
"Do accountants complain about HMRC's service enough'

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/practice/general-practice/do-accountants...

>. dont be put off by the date of writing (2018) - the comments are still valid.

Ok.. so how exactly am I to tell a subcontractor client who doesnt submit invoices (ie all of them) that he (she?) will have to send me their figures every quarter? Many just rely on their Contractors certs isseud (sometimes) at the end of the tax year.
It just wont happen - so its estimates as suggested under Rachaels most recent article.

If you are looking at Alphabet shares. See this link for detail as what needs to be done and the rules. Article is old but dont let that put you off - its still relevant

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/business/finance-strategy/alphabet-share...

The text says:

"Therefore within owner-managed companies a settlement may apply where an individual enters into an arrangement diverting income one to another, resulting in a tax advantage."

So be aware of the Settlement provisions.
Between spouses its Ok - Arctic Systems case.
Your arrangement will be caught by the Settlement rules

None of the depts are answering. Its not just VAT.

Reason being that they dont have enough staff - I've been told that there is no one available to 'man' the service.

As Moonbeam says - dont waste your time

Well... I made myself a mug of strong coffee and rang HMRC yesterday. Not too long waiting for once.

And I was told the same as you have been - not before the end of Oct.

It is no use in complaining to the person on the end of the phone or even the manager - they are only saying what they have been told to say.

This needs to go higher up the chain.

Come Monday I'm going to make a formal complaint via my Institute - I suggest that each of you who have clients in this situation do the same.

PS>>> in answer to JB01's comment about getting clients to ring... done that... they got no where either. I phoned as in my innocence I thought that my having a moan would add to the numbers of complaints - put some pressure on.
And anyway some of my clients arent allowed to make 'personal' calls whilst on site .

Its looks as though its none of the above.

They usually want a certificate confirming that you are registered to pay tax in the UK

see here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-confirmation-from-hmrc-that-you-are-trad...

W8 has to be sent with the actual goods when sent.