I use a payroll bureau, Think Map Corporation Ltd. They do mine and also for several others. Run by three first class qualified payroll professional females. They deal with absolutely everything an employer is obliged to do. See their website!
PS I am a director and shareholder, but have never drawn anything
I'd like to nominate Loraine Reid of Think Map Corporation Limited (a payroll bureau) for her relentless efforts cajoling HMRC and 'the leading payroll software supplier' to rectify Real Time problems. Loraine has been the first person to flag up several software issues.
In addition, not a single payroll client has received a valid penalty notice thanks to her efforts. She is first class.
I cannot see any consistent application of SA penalties by HMRC.
From my experience, on a personal level, HMRC staff do not like applying penalties except in cases where it's obvious there was bad intention by the taxpayer. This has held true in some surprising situations.
Elansea, what were the 'years under enquiry'? I cannot get HMRC to specify for the two cases I am dealing with. They are asking for 'disclosure of all omissions'.
Yes, I don't know why HMRC bother, being helpful is not in their DNA after all. I have to laugh, they show the 'helpful' information, then add words to the effect that 'it may not be right and if it isn't right it will be the taxpayer's fault for not checking'.
My answers
I use a payroll bureau, Think Map Corporation Ltd. They do mine and also for several others. Run by three first class qualified payroll professional females. They deal with absolutely everything an employer is obliged to do. See their website!
PS I am a director and shareholder, but have never drawn anything
Wear and tear
'Improve' the property? Since when have property improvement costs been deductible from rents received?
Goodbye
We all have clients like these, 'leave it, he ain't worth it'; get rid of him
The stress you could do without, I'm sure. He may drag you down with him, or spread you name as an accountant that can be manipulated
Solicitors
I've been in practice for over 25 years and have never encountered a solicitor who :
was not grossly expensive
was willing to invest some time in establishing a relationship/empathy with a client
did not delegate everything to unqualified clerks
was at all organised
did anything in a timely manner
was at all numerate
was at all pragmatic
could explain things to clients in plain terms
was not at all arrogant
was not at all error prone
If there is a solicitor out there who can say 'none of the above', then I will heartily recommend them to my numerous clients who are always asking
Payroll champion
I'd like to nominate Loraine Reid of Think Map Corporation Limited (a payroll bureau) for her relentless efforts cajoling HMRC and 'the leading payroll software supplier' to rectify Real Time problems. Loraine has been the first person to flag up several software issues.
In addition, not a single payroll client has received a valid penalty notice thanks to her efforts. She is first class.
Penalties
I cannot see any consistent application of SA penalties by HMRC.
From my experience, on a personal level, HMRC staff do not like applying penalties except in cases where it's obvious there was bad intention by the taxpayer. This has held true in some surprising situations.
Elansea, what were the 'years under enquiry'? I cannot get HMRC to specify for the two cases I am dealing with. They are asking for 'disclosure of all omissions'.
You have to tell HMRC 'I am standing by my fax machine awaiting your fax'
Yes, really. That's what my client was told to do when he rang them
SA302
Sadly SA302's are back in fashion with mortgage lenders. They want something with 'HMRC' written on it.
Get your clients to ring HMRC and insist they fax it. They will do this if told it is for an urgent mortgage application, and normally very quickly
HMRC are not so helpful if the agent rings
Yes, I don't know why HMRC bother, being helpful is not in their DNA after all. I have to laugh, they show the 'helpful' information, then add words to the effect that 'it may not be right and if it isn't right it will be the taxpayer's fault for not checking'.