And just how exactly are we supposed to break this bad news to our clients?

I cant speak more highly of AM. As the article says the support is brilliant. I couldnt have coped this year without the e-signing facility.

I've been using it particularly for that feature and the automatic issue of such things as Letters of engagement.

The reminder system is good - ie sending out of automatic reminders to clients and previous accs for clearance letters.

There are still a load of features that I've not looked at yet such as the sending out of texts. The videos are particularly helpful here.

As Jo and Sue say... worth its weight in gold!

Its not that companies will be buying offices etc its more that there are some companies that have a nice amount of money in their bank account and cant see what to do with it. Many dont like the idea of stock market or even pensions (or might have one in place already) so they set up a separate SPV company, deposit money from their main company and then go off to get the balance of the purchase price as a commercial mortgage. I've had 4 clients who have done this.

They are buying residential as they cant find any commercial properties.

Re stamp duty... anyone looking to buy now has missed their chance. Currently Land registry are only now dealing with applications submitted in late Oct. But then Rishi might leave it to the last minute to extend the deadline?

Rishi hasnt had to listen to the tears down the phone and sympathise with the clients who havent received anything whatsoever.

Many of mine in the entertainment industy - some working as forced' freelancers' as Jimess says

Perhaps I should send the Chancellor a copy of my article on the subject:
"Coronavirus - the clients who Rishi left behind"

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/tax/hmrc-policy/coronavirus-the-clients-...

One thing I love about Accweb is the realisation that you're not alone.
I've also been working crazy hours and the last few months have taken their toll.

Currently I have loaded a standard email response to all contacts saying basically - 'leave me alone!' and explaining that their reminding me by phoning, texting, emailing wont get them their return any quicker. Even if payment is late for many the interest will be in pence.

If they are that worried they can always pay an estimated figure.

HMRC's announcement had nothing to do with us - as OpenAllHours says - HMRC do not appreciate how much we assist them in their job.

Paul C is right - it was all about their potential workload with Appeals.

I have some problems that will easily be sorted out via a phone call with HMRC but I've told my clients that I'm not ringing for any reason whatsoever until after 31 Jan.

For example I've discovered that a client has two PAYE ref nos and I've been (correctly) submitting to one reference for some months but HMRC say I've not submitted anything and has sent the usual letters to client.

A quick phone call will cancel one reference but I'm not going to... I have other things to do with my time at the moment than spend hours on the phone trying to get through.

So I'm not.

They can all wait until 2nd Feb.

With you 100% norstar!

Re ringing HMRC - I'm not bothering until Feb.

Ummm... what about me... is my profession redundant?
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (now named the Chartered Governance Institute).
:-)
When I started out (x number of years ago!) I got fed up with being asked what my shorthand and typing speed was.

Today I have had to speak to two different solicitors - one on my own behalf (non business problem!) and the other on behalf of a client.

Both solicitors asked for some payment up front.

This subject comes up every year as Lucy says

Usually its about Christmas time for example -
"At this time of the year, you are guaranteed to find the same old questions and articles highlighting the pain of the January deadline."

https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/practice/practice-strategy/should-accoun...

I'm going to say this... but we've all tried to keep to our 'I mean it' stance but invariably it doesnt work.

I have a good nag at my clients about now and then on a monthly basis but the same old same old always ignore me and so I (usually) give in because they have been longstanding clients and always pay ontime.

But Lucy is so right when she says this year needs to be different because of the reasons she gives (staff etc etc)

However, many of my clients have been hit hard by coronavirus and are worried about the future. Many are in the entertainment industry so havent worked since lockdown began.
So I'm going to try a different tactic this year.

I'm going to say that by getting their accounts in early I will be able to help them plan so that they come through the other side of the impending recession intact ie "get your accounts in early so you know what you are up against and can plan accordingly."

And CazzyT - you are so so right!