Keep sole trader software simple
Richard Sergeant explores how software vendors are already trying to put simplicity at the heart of their sole trader offerings.
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VT cashbook is free and does simple income and expenses with analysis. What more does a small business need?
There seems to be this "marketing drive" by software companies to get small business to have "this and that app" or whatever, when there is no real need.
I've been saying this for a while now and it won't be long before there is a big clash between "high techies" and "low techies".
Richard, you're more on the frontline than me, I'm sure you can see it.
I would say it's a bit the other way around. Software Houses saying to HMRC "this is what you need to get more money in and quicker" when, in fact, it's just a marketing ploy to enable the software to be sold on a larger scale. Problem is the take up isn't there. Interesting to see what happens, especially if it's delayed again.
Richard,
Good article and helpful summary of what's on offer for a low techie like me.
But if you can see the issues / challenges coming around the corner (and I assume you're not a practising accountant although you obviously interact with us a lot), then why can't HMRC?
We either have to assume:
a) HMRC are staffed by morons (which should be, but isn't, that far-fetched to imagine), or
b) The specific morons running the MTD project are acting cynically: they realise this is going to be a big issue but it isn't going to be their big issue so, as long as their CV looks good, they couldn't give a monkey's, or
c) They genuinely believe, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that they know better what's good for us than we do.
Words fail me if option c) is the case and I know which of the two other options I think it is.
They will claim C, backed up by the sellers looking to rake it in
B is probably reality
How to explain that the project has been pointless and that the tax return system very nearly works is a problem they cannot face
Will MTD also reject Class 2 NI if HMRC think not registered ( but still collect class 4)
Will MTD also correct any calculation showing Marriage allowance even if the calculation is correct
Will HMRC really claim it is "calculating tax to date" when the software bought by taxpayer is actually doing it
The further this daft project goes the more HMRC loses credibility
They insulted the House of Lords, yet could not answer the most simple of questions
Richard, I`m surprised that you didn't mention Freeagent. Its integration with Mettle bank and the fact that it was written to be so user friendly for the smallest businesses makes it the hands-down winner for us for our sole traders! I`m excited that they are building tax return software into Freeagent for accountants too as well as a new product for landlords, which if it's up to their usual standards will be our landlord solution for MTD.