I often wonder whether we should be covering family planning guidance in our terms of engagement. The same probably applies to marriage guidance as well.
We had 2 cases (both filed in August 2017). When we spoke to HMRC in November the agent helpline response was that they seemed to be aware of a problem and that they had a message stating that the problem would be fixed by 4th December.
One case was corrected just before Christmas but the other has not been fixed yet. The HMRC system is showing a £5,000 repayment being due despite the fact the client owes them money.
This just creates more work sorting out the appeals against penalties and interest charges.
No wonder MTD has been delayed.
I haven't seen an incorrect one yet for 2016/2017. I was surprised to receive one last month for 2017/2018 !
(The client in question has "retired" and left employment at the end of May, but intends to continue working in a freelance capacity of the opportunity arises.)
A cynic might think that it is a secret plan to reduce future pension costs as so many people will have gaps in their contribution histories :-). Alternatively, it might be a fund raiser - Class 3 @ £14.10 per week seems to trump Class 2 @ £2.80.
I don't think it will get any better for those with low profits after Class 2 has been abolished.
Earlier this year we helped clients who were having to provide numerous sets of figures including the last 3 years sole trader accounts for their respective businesses. All reasonable I suppose, but the questions arising were becoming irritating to say the least.
The icing on the cake was a query as to why the accounts to 31st March 2014 did not disclose a car that one of the applicants had acquired with an HP agreement. The fact the HP contract was dated September 2014 didn't seem to register with the lender.
I received 2 client statements from HMRC in the 3rd week of August. A lot of people wait for the statement before paying (not these 2 fortunately) so how many late payments have occurred because of the tardy delivery of statements?
When we were asked to vote for AV yesterday, why were we not allowed an alternative vote ? Sureley that would have been a great way to demonstrate the proposed system.
I have an ongoing case where my client's tax return was supposedly filed by him in August 2010. This has supposedly triggered a refund of nearly £5,000 for the year, although his account at HMRC is also showing a credit balance of over £10,000. We didn't submit the return and the client swears that he didn't either. HMRC are still investigating through a special unit & have asked that we hold off sending the correct return until they give clearance.
As to how someone got our client's sign-in details is still a mystery.
My answers
I often wonder whether we should be covering family planning guidance in our terms of engagement. The same probably applies to marriage guidance as well.
All bodes well for the future. Hope they are not going to be too trigger happy when it comes to late filing penalties.
We had 2 cases (both filed in August 2017). When we spoke to HMRC in November the agent helpline response was that they seemed to be aware of a problem and that they had a message stating that the problem would be fixed by 4th December.
One case was corrected just before Christmas but the other has not been fixed yet. The HMRC system is showing a £5,000 repayment being due despite the fact the client owes them money.
This just creates more work sorting out the appeals against penalties and interest charges.
No wonder MTD has been delayed.
I haven't seen an incorrect one yet for 2016/2017. I was surprised to receive one last month for 2017/2018 !
(The client in question has "retired" and left employment at the end of May, but intends to continue working in a freelance capacity of the opportunity arises.)
A cynic might think that it is a secret plan to reduce future pension costs as so many people will have gaps in their contribution histories :-). Alternatively, it might be a fund raiser - Class 3 @ £14.10 per week seems to trump Class 2 @ £2.80.
I don't think it will get any better for those with low profits after Class 2 has been abolished.
How Much do The Lenders Really Understand ?
Earlier this year we helped clients who were having to provide numerous sets of figures including the last 3 years sole trader accounts for their respective businesses. All reasonable I suppose, but the questions arising were becoming irritating to say the least.
The icing on the cake was a query as to why the accounts to 31st March 2014 did not disclose a car that one of the applicants had acquired with an HP agreement. The fact the HP contract was dated September 2014 didn't seem to register with the lender.
And when did the July statement arrive ?
I received 2 client statements from HMRC in the 3rd week of August. A lot of people wait for the statement before paying (not these 2 fortunately) so how many late payments have occurred because of the tardy delivery of statements?
Another Question
When we were asked to vote for AV yesterday, why were we not allowed an alternative vote ? Sureley that would have been a great way to demonstrate the proposed system.
Potential Tax Fraud
I have an ongoing case where my client's tax return was supposedly filed by him in August 2010. This has supposedly triggered a refund of nearly £5,000 for the year, although his account at HMRC is also showing a credit balance of over £10,000. We didn't submit the return and the client swears that he didn't either. HMRC are still investigating through a special unit & have asked that we hold off sending the correct return until they give clearance.
As to how someone got our client's sign-in details is still a mystery.
HR Department
The term "Human Resources" says it all really.