http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk News events from Help Accountants www.helpaccountants.co.uk Business Business News en Copyright 2008 webmaster@helpaccountants.co.uk (James Scales) Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:17:38 GMT Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:17:38 GMT RSS DreamFeeder v 2.1.0 Please find attached a summary of the current savings and banking information primarily in the UK sector. We have had quite a few clients asking us about the safety of their savings and have collated this document to answer some of their questions. Please find attached a summary of the current savings and banking information primarily in the UK sector. We have had quite a few clients asking us about the safety of their savings and have collated this document to answer some of their questions. http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Working_in_Practice_Savings_Banks_WIP060.pdf Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:40:47 GMT ML manual:1229032373250:8623170373516048:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Good afternoon, In all the flurry of activity over the change in the VAT rate, we have had a number of people that have asked us what has happened to the flat rate percentages. I have met with a VAT officer today and they have given me the following new flat rates which will apply to periods from 1st December, until the rates revert in January 2010. http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/FlatRateSchemeChanges25nov2008.pdf Regards Maria Good afternoon, In all the flurry of activity over the change in the VAT rate, we have had a number of people that have asked us what has happened to the flat rate percentages. I have met with a VAT officer today and they have given me the following new flat rates which will apply to periods from 1st December, until the rates revert in January 2010. http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/FlatRateSchemeChanges25nov2008.pdf Regards Maria http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/FlatRateSchemeChanges25nov2008.pdf Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:44:12 GMT ML manual:1227649592812:1458813855903771:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Please find attached the web link for a brilliant little holiday calculator. It enables you to work out the holiday entitlement across the change period of 1st October. I have had numerous request from payroll clients to calculate their staff holiday entitlement, and it has been invaluable, especially when staff work an hourly rate, or are part time. Regards Maria http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1079427399 Please find attached the web link for a brilliant little holiday calculator. It enables you to work out the holiday entitlement across the change period of 1st October. I have had numerous request from payroll clients to calculate their staff holiday entitlement, and it has been invaluable, especially when staff work an hourly rate, or are part time. Regards Maria http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1079427399 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:04:00 GMT ML manual:1225742031328:8832173327735735:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Please find below 3 (hopefully) useful pieces of information 1. If like myself you file your clients Abbreviated Accounts and DCAs online it would be wise to avoid filing them for a few days as Companies House computer has had a meltdown, and since Monday – anything filed will have gone missing. As a precaution keep all filing confirmations that are received by email as proof that the documents were sent. 2. The Working Together group have been sent some links to various useful pages and documents from HMRC, and they are below for your information too. Tax Agents and Advisers Web Pages - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/index.htm To register for online services - https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/login?GAREASONCODE=- Working Together pages - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/yoursay-wt.htm Latest News and Agent Update - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/news-agents.htm How to subscribe to an RSS feed and keep up to date with latest news - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/rss/rss.htm And finally 3. HMRC have got a new agent dedicated line number 0845 366 7895 – which one of our contributors has passed onto us. Having tried it out, my first query was reasonably well handled and I was put through to a technical advisor. Regards Maria Please find below 3 (hopefully) useful pieces of information 1. If like myself you file your clients Abbreviated Accounts and DCAs online it would be wise to avoid filing them for a few days as Companies House computer has had a meltdown, and since Monday – anything filed will have gone missing. As a precaution keep all filing confirmations that are received by email as proof that the documents were sent. 2. The Working Together group have been sent some links to various useful pages and documents from HMRC, and they are below for your information too. Tax Agents and Advisers Web Pages - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/index.htm To register for online services - https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/login?GAREASONCODE=- Working Together pages - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/yoursay-wt.htm Latest News and Agent Update - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/news-agents.htm How to subscribe to an RSS feed and keep up to date with latest news - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/rss/rss.htm And finally 3. HMRC have got a new agent dedicated line number 0845 366 7895 – which one of our contributors has passed onto us. Having tried it out, my first query was reasonably well handled and I was put through to a technical advisor. Regards Maria Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:27:30 GMT ML manual:1225470375504:8989176870547566:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Good Evening, Please find attached two new documents relating to the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. The first is hopefully an easy to read condensed version of the main requirements of the regulations. The second has a risk assessment attached to help you comply with the regulations. It is not meant to be exhaustive, and I am sure that you will be able to add other risk areas that are relevant to your own business set ups, but I hope that you will find it useful as a starting point. Regards http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Working_in_Practice_Money_Laundering_Regulations_2007_WIP059.pdf http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Working_in_Practice_Money_Laundering_Regulations_Requirements_2007_WIP060.pdf Maria Good Evening, Please find attached two new documents relating to the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. The first is hopefully an easy to read condensed version of the main requirements of the regulations. The second has a risk assessment attached to help you comply with the regulations. It is not meant to be exhaustive, and I am sure that you will be able to add other risk areas that are relevant to your own business set ups, but I hope that you will find it useful as a starting point. Regards http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Working_in_Practice_Money_Laundering_Regulations_2007_WIP059.pdf http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Working_in_Practice_Money_Laundering_Regulations_Requirements_2007_WIP060.pdf Maria Sun, 16 Dec 2007 21:54:02 GMT ML manual:1221603192036:23118499564178796:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml When you are using VAT online filing, if the system crashes before you can print off an acknowledgement all is not lost (As I have discovered) You need to email to 'enquiries.estn@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk' Detailing the following Period end for the filing lost VAT Registration Name of entity They can then send you a copy of your documents. Please also note that if you need to ask a question please use the “contact” us link on the website for the next week rather than direct email addresses Maria ACMA When you are using VAT online filing, if the system crashes before you can print off an acknowledgement all is not lost (As I have discovered) You need to email to 'enquiries.estn@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk' Detailing the following Period end for the filing lost VAT Registration Name of entity They can then send you a copy of your documents. Please also note that if you need to ask a question please use the “contact” us link on the website for the next week rather than direct email addresses Maria ACMA Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:06:47 GMT ML manual:1220776061484:5:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Please find attached the revised document relating to VAT errors and voluntary disclosure that comes into effect from 1st July 2008. The requirement to keep detailed notes of any changes to VAT returns are still in place and it is highly recommended that explanatory notes are made at the time of any adjustments. Regards Maria Please find attached the revised document relating to VAT errors and voluntary disclosure that comes into effect from 1st July 2008. The requirement to keep detailed notes of any changes to VAT returns are still in place and it is highly recommended that explanatory notes are made at the time of any adjustments. Regards Maria http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/VAT_Adjustments_652_VAT001.pdf Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:42:16 GMT ML manual:1215204532247:9250211169856392:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Good evening Whilst surfing the HMRC website for useful information on a topic I came across this area which could prove to be very useful Obviously one way of getting to documents in the HMRC website is to Google search them as Google have a much better search engine than HMRC, but this index is great for forms I think this link could prove to be very useful, and already I have found out new information just by reading through the index....... Regards Maria http://search.hmrc.gov.uk/kbroker/inldrev/inldrev/a2z/search.a2z?action=browseEntries&letter=a&provider=1&owner=&type= Good evening Whilst surfing the HMRC website for useful information on a topic I came across this area which could prove to be very useful Obviously one way of getting to documents in the HMRC website is to Google search them as Google have a much better search engine than HMRC, but this index is great for forms I think this link could prove to be very useful, and already I have found out new information just by reading through the index....... Regards Maria http://search.hmrc.gov.uk/kbroker/inldrev/inldrev/a2z/search.a2z?action=browseEntries&letter=a&provider=1&owner=&type= Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:39:33 GMT ML manual:1213734547788:27779231445062936:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Good Evening, It has been drawn to our attention that there is a glitch in the software at HMRC that is rejecting Self Assessments filed online. The area affected is in self employment, when a client earns below £64,000 and a 3 line set of accounts can be filed. HMRC only ask for box 8 (turnover) and box 19 (total allowable expense) to be completed to get to the profit(loss) in box 20 or 21. The software cannot cope with that and it would be advisable to either 1. Complete box 10 (cost of goods) with the same figure as box 19 or 2. Complete the full details even if this is not required and split out the expenses. Where previous years have had detailed expenses, it would sensible to complete as option 2. This error may not be corrected until the next year, so is worth keeping in mind when filing as rejected self assessments then have to be amended and the date on when an investigation can be undertaken start afresh. Please also note that there is no white box to allow for comment on the shorter version of the Self employment return (SA103s), so any notes have to be added to the main return or the longer version of the Self Employment supplement (SA103) will have to be completed. Regards Maria Good Evening, It has been drawn to our attention that there is a glitch in the software at HMRC that is rejecting Self Assessments filed online. The area affected is in self employment, when a client earns below £64,000 and a 3 line set of accounts can be filed. HMRC only ask for box 8 (turnover) and box 19 (total allowable expense) to be completed to get to the profit(loss) in box 20 or 21. The software cannot cope with that and it would be advisable to either 1. Complete box 10 (cost of goods) with the same figure as box 19 or 2. Complete the full details even if this is not required and split out the expenses. Where previous years have had detailed expenses, it would sensible to complete as option 2. This error may not be corrected until the next year, so is worth keeping in mind when filing as rejected self assessments then have to be amended and the date on when an investigation can be undertaken start afresh. Please also note that there is no white box to allow for comment on the shorter version of the Self employment return (SA103s), so any notes have to be added to the main return or the longer version of the Self Employment supplement (SA103) will have to be completed. Regards Maria Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:59:06 GMT ML manual:1212909853203:177815:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Good Evening, If you are running payrolls and have filed online you will be aware if the £100 tax credit available. To save time and lots of letters you can apply for this online via the following link – as an agent you can apply for up to 10 tax credit repayments in a single application. It is quite temperamental, but we have been able to use it successfully and already have some client cheques. www.hmrc.gov.uk/efiling/help/claim-tax-free-pay.htm Regards Maria Good Evening, If you are running payrolls and have filed online you will be aware if the £100 tax credit available. To save time and lots of letters you can apply for this online via the following link – as an agent you can apply for up to 10 tax credit repayments in a single application. It is quite temperamental, but we have been able to use it successfully and already have some client cheques. www.hmrc.gov.uk/efiling/help/claim-tax-free-pay.htm Regards Maria Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:01:56 GMT ML manual:1212443927515:29941781961578816:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Hopefully the first piece of information will never be needed by yourselves, but in case there is a dispute between your practice/client and HMRC the Adjudicator’s Office has moved to 8th Floor Euston Tower 286 Euston Road London NW1 3US Tel: 0300 057 1111/020 7667 1832 The Adjudicator looks into complaints about: HMRC Tax Credit Office Valuation Office Agency Public Guardianship Office The Insolvency Service The service is free! In addition, the government offer help with pensions through a call centre, which maybe useful when clients ask questions about tax and their pensions. The Helpline is 01159 741 600 Hopefully the first piece of information will never be needed by yourselves, but in case there is a dispute between your practice/client and HMRC the Adjudicator’s Office has moved to 8th Floor Euston Tower 286 Euston Road London NW1 3US Tel: 0300 057 1111/020 7667 1832 The Adjudicator looks into complaints about: HMRC Tax Credit Office Valuation Office Agency Public Guardianship Office The Insolvency Service The service is free! In addition, the government offer help with pensions through a call centre, which maybe useful when clients ask questions about tax and their pensions. The Helpline is 01159 741 600 Mon, 12 May 2008 09:17:04 GMT ML manual:1210611160384:1855485154221701:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml We are delighted to be able to offer subscribers a £50 discount on both TaxCalc Pro and TaxCalc ProSuite. TaxCalc can be purchased online at http://www.taxcalc.com/ Simply enter "HELPAC" in the media code box on the order page, the discount will be automatically applied. Regards Maria We are delighted to be able to offer subscribers a £50 discount on both TaxCalc Pro and TaxCalc ProSuite. TaxCalc can be purchased online at http://www.taxcalc.com/ Simply enter "HELPAC" in the media code box on the order page, the discount will be automatically applied. Regards Maria http://www.taxcalc.com/ Tue, 06 May 2008 09:00:18 GMT ML manual:1210356179140:20781647222944076:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml There has been a recent update to the amounts and expenses that are allowed to be claimed by employees and the evidence the employee is required to produce. There was an excellent article by Roland Gribben on Friday 19th in the Telegraph that also pointed out the double standards of HMRC with respect to its employees and other employees, and I have attached a link, it makes very interesting reading. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/04/16/cntax116.xml HMRC has made changes to the Employment Income Manual and they accompany the publication of tables of benchmark scale rates that employers can use to reimburse accommodation and subsistence expenses incurred by employees who have to travel outside the UK A scale rate payment is a is tax free in the employee’s hands, and once a rate has been agreed by an employer, it may be paid to an employee as reimbursement of expenses without the need for ongoing receipts. The only employees who will need to provide receipts would be those involved in a sampling exercise used to determine the scale rate periodically. Employers may reimburse employees for incidental expenses when they stay overnight for work purposes , and they are • £5 per night for overnight stays in the UK • £10 per night for overnight stays outside the UK (but see new guidance below) http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/EIM02730.htm If a payment is made that exceeds these limits, the whole of the payment becomes taxable and not just the excess. HMRC confirm that employers may pay (a generous!) £3 per week to employees who work from home, without the need for receipts. If an employee provides their own packed lunch prepared at home from items purchased as part of the employee’s ordinary domestic shopping arrangements, or other food brought from home it is NOT an allowable expense but the cost of sandwiches and snacks bought on the way to another place of work (ie whilst travelling) can be included. There has been a recent update to the amounts and expenses that are allowed to be claimed by employees and the evidence the employee is required to produce. There was an excellent article by Roland Gribben on Friday 19th in the Telegraph that also pointed out the double standards of HMRC with respect to its employees and other employees, and I have attached a link, it makes very interesting reading. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/04/16/cntax116.xml HMRC has made changes to the Employment Income Manual and they accompany the publication of tables of benchmark scale rates that employers can use to reimburse accommodation and subsistence expenses incurred by employees who have to travel outside the UK A scale rate payment is a is tax free in the employee’s hands, and once a rate has been agreed by an employer, it may be paid to an employee as reimbursement of expenses without the need for ongoing receipts. The only employees who will need to provide receipts would be those involved in a sampling exercise used to determine the scale rate periodically. Employers may reimburse employees for incidental expenses when they stay overnight for work purposes , and they are • £5 per night for overnight stays in the UK • £10 per night for overnight stays outside the UK (but see new guidance below) http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/eimanual/EIM02730.htm If a payment is made that exceeds these limits, the whole of the payment becomes taxable and not just the excess. HMRC confirm that employers may pay (a generous!) £3 per week to employees who work from home, without the need for receipts. If an employee provides their own packed lunch prepared at home from items purchased as part of the employee’s ordinary domestic shopping arrangements, or other food brought from home it is NOT an allowable expense but the cost of sandwiches and snacks bought on the way to another place of work (ie whilst travelling) can be included. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:03:25 GMT ML manual:1208974340150:38555363517145250:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Good afternoon, The new self assessment guide for 2007-08 is now being issued. If you are interested in getting a copy and are not on their mailing list you need to contact them to order one. Extra stocks are always very low, so they ask that new/extra copies are ordered before 16th May 2008 To get a copy you will need your Self Assessment Agent Reference, which is issued by your local tax office. To get copies Fax: 0845 9000 604 Tel: 0845 9000 404 The new guide has the trust and partnership booklets combined. Regards Maria Good afternoon, The new self assessment guide for 2007-08 is now being issued. If you are interested in getting a copy and are not on their mailing list you need to contact them to order one. Extra stocks are always very low, so they ask that new/extra copies are ordered before 16th May 2008 To get a copy you will need your Self Assessment Agent Reference, which is issued by your local tax office. To get copies Fax: 0845 9000 604 Tel: 0845 9000 404 The new guide has the trust and partnership booklets combined. Regards Maria Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:49:14 GMT maria Land manual:1206571847796:5820376948425064:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Good Morning, Just when you thought it was safe, we have been trawling though all the information that has been thrown around since Tuesday and have tried to summarise it. We hope that you find this document useful. If you have any further queries, please contact us as we have all the source documents and would be happy to forward the research. Regards Maria Good Morning, Just when you thought it was safe, we have been trawling though all the information that has been thrown around since Tuesday and have tried to summarise it. We hope that you find this document useful. If you have any further queries, please contact us as we have all the source documents and would be happy to forward the research. Regards Maria http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Inland_Revenue_Budget_2008_IR018.pdf Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:11:10 GMT Maria Land manual:1205518377157:9299800727317428:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml The Working Together team requested a listing of Agent Priority numbers for each tax Office and HMRC have obliged with an update to their website in December 2007 The idea is that this agent lines will be manned by staff that can help with more specialist queries. This has not be confirmed by HMRC, but it does mean that when the phone is answered that you are an agent which is a good start. All the numbers can be found at the link below http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/workingtogether/priority-lines-list.htm I have also attached an excel file with them in a printout format that enable you to be able to keep the numbers handy when out and about. I cannot guarantee that you’ll get better service, but at least someone will answer the phone Regards Maria The Working Together team requested a listing of Agent Priority numbers for each tax Office and HMRC have obliged with an update to their website in December 2007 The idea is that this agent lines will be manned by staff that can help with more specialist queries. This has not be confirmed by HMRC, but it does mean that when the phone is answered that you are an agent which is a good start. All the numbers can be found at the link below http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/workingtogether/priority-lines-list.htm I have also attached an excel file with them in a printout format that enable you to be able to keep the numbers handy when out and about. I cannot guarantee that you’ll get better service, but at least someone will answer the phone Regards Maria http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/workingtogether/priority-lines-list.htm Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:19:33 GMT Maria Land manual:1202320054328:602815790885372:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Good Afternoon, If you are involved in payroll, or you have clients that want to employ workers from abroad, they are able to accelerate their application for a National Insurance number using the “Fastpath.” The worker needs to be holding 1. Business Work Permit 2. Commercial Work Permit 3. Or recruited to work as a NHS professional The employer or payroll agent can contact Fastpath on 0845 605 1080 Fatspath.pilot@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Regards Maria Good Afternoon, If you are involved in payroll, or you have clients that want to employ workers from abroad, they are able to accelerate their application for a National Insurance number using the “Fastpath.” The worker needs to be holding 1. Business Work Permit 2. Commercial Work Permit 3. Or recruited to work as a NHS professional The employer or payroll agent can contact Fastpath on 0845 605 1080 Fatspath.pilot@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Regards Maria Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:00:27 GMT Maria Land manual:1202234250390:322842244629749:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml There are more changes to the way we handle companies. We have tried to summarize them, detailing what has already changed and what will occur from 6th April 2008. The Companies House website has a very good section (if a little hard to read!) on the changes which we have hopefully summarised into a more user friendly format. The document is still 4 pages in length. All the other pages on the website that refer to Companies House issues have also been updated where appropriate and will be online within the next 24 hours. Regards Maria There are more changes to the way we handle companies. We have tried to summarize them, detailing what has already changed and what will occur from 6th April 2008. The Companies House website has a very good section (if a little hard to read!) on the changes which we have hopefully summarised into a more user friendly format. The document is still 4 pages in length. All the other pages on the website that refer to Companies House issues have also been updated where appropriate and will be online within the next 24 hours. Regards Maria http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Companies_House_Companies_Act_2006_CoH028.pdf Wed, 30 Jan 2008 21:32:27 GMT Maria Land manual:1202160805171:9326228080954418:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Please find attached a flyer from Roche Associates that they have kindly forwarded to us. There are changes in the April 2008 budget in terms of CAs and I know that the Chancellor has announced amendments again today. We will keep you informed when information firms up Regards Maria Information supplied by: Saira Puffett Director Roche Associates Tel: 01923 428746 Fax: 01923 236115 Mob: 07984 298402 www.rocheassociates.co.uk Please find attached a flyer from Roche Associates that they have kindly forwarded to us. There are changes in the April 2008 budget in terms of CAs and I know that the Chancellor has announced amendments again today. We will keep you informed when information firms up Regards Maria Information supplied by: Saira Puffett Director Roche Associates Tel: 01923 428746 Fax: 01923 236115 Mob: 07984 298402 www.rocheassociates.co.uk http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/CA%20Consultation%20Jan%2008.pdf Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:31:21 GMT Saira Puffett manual:1202160805171:7850847177498574:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml Some information for you. One of our contributors has been informed that the tax office are now able to match the interest declared by an individual on their tax return with information supplied by the banks. Please see the comment below. “Did you know the IR are now matching self assessment returns against bank records (must be their latest IT investment!) and are picking up on people that don’t declare interest on bank accounts.” This is certainly been hard for HMRC to do in the past, but with the banks being more open about client’s accounts it may be useful information when asking clients about other income. Regards Maria Some information for you. One of our contributors has been informed that the tax office are now able to match the interest declared by an individual on their tax return with information supplied by the banks. Please see the comment below. “Did you know the IR are now matching self assessment returns against bank records (must be their latest IT investment!) and are picking up on people that don’t declare interest on bank accounts.” This is certainly been hard for HMRC to do in the past, but with the banks being more open about client’s accounts it may be useful information when asking clients about other income. Regards Maria Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:30:39 GMT Maria Land manual:1202160805171:7945054770671303:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml The statutory holiday entitlement for 2008 increases from 24 days to 28 days during 2008. This has presented one of my employers with a headache concerning holiday entitlement so I have devised a ready reckoner to enable them to work out what each employee is entitled to. I have attached the spreadsheet which you may also find useful if any of your clients employ people on a part-time basis Regards Maria The statutory holiday entitlement for 2008 increases from 24 days to 28 days during 2008. This has presented one of my employers with a headache concerning holiday entitlement so I have devised a ready reckoner to enable them to work out what each employee is entitled to. I have attached the spreadsheet which you may also find useful if any of your clients employ people on a part-time basis Regards Maria http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/2008%20Holiday%20Ready%20Reckoner.xls Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:29:26 GMT Maria land manual:1202160805171:47609943261527970:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml For all subscribers that file self assessments. This is a quick reminder that paper filing of self assessments for the tax year 2007-08 has a cut off date of 30th September 2008. If you are like ourselves and struggling to get the last few clients to come up with their paperwork, please remember that all assessments filed after 30th September will have to filed Online. Online filing can be done by an agent without a 64-8, but there would be no information about that filing available to the agent until authorisation had been obtained. For all those clients that are habitually late, it would be worth pointing out to them now that there will be restriction on your ability to file the next return, and that their co-operation will be required much earlier in the year.......you can blame Alistair Darling Regards and a prosperous 2008. Maria For all subscribers that file self assessments. This is a quick reminder that paper filing of self assessments for the tax year 2007-08 has a cut off date of 30th September 2008. If you are like ourselves and struggling to get the last few clients to come up with their paperwork, please remember that all assessments filed after 30th September will have to filed Online. Online filing can be done by an agent without a 64-8, but there would be no information about that filing available to the agent until authorisation had been obtained. For all those clients that are habitually late, it would be worth pointing out to them now that there will be restriction on your ability to file the next return, and that their co-operation will be required much earlier in the year.......you can blame Alistair Darling Regards and a prosperous 2008. Maria Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:28:49 GMT Maria Land manual:1202160805187:9807972392155642:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml We have been very kindly sent some excellent updates documents for the three areas of tax that have been discussed in the PBR. They are easy to read and have excellent worked examples, so I have asked Matthew Smethurst if we can distribute them, which he was happy to agree to. If you do need specialist advice on tax matters beyond your scope as a practice accountant, the we can recommend Philip Binfield Ltd We have been very kindly sent some excellent updates documents for the three areas of tax that have been discussed in the PBR. They are easy to read and have excellent worked examples, so I have asked Matthew Smethurst if we can distribute them, which he was happy to agree to. If you do need specialist advice on tax matters beyond your scope as a practice accountant, the we can recommend Philip Binfield Ltd http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/PhilipBinfiled_cgt_11Oct2007.pdf Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:51:01 GMT manual:1201971095714:8329964734433232:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml We have been very kindly sent some excellent updates documents for the three areas of tax that have been discussed in the PBR. They are easy to read and have excellent worked examples, so I have asked Matthew Smethurst if we can distribute them, which he was happy to agree to. If you do need specialist advice on tax matters beyond your scope as a practice accountant, the we can recommend Philip Binfield Ltd We have been very kindly sent some excellent updates documents for the three areas of tax that have been discussed in the PBR. They are easy to read and have excellent worked examples, so I have asked Matthew Smethurst if we can distribute them, which he was happy to agree to. If you do need specialist advice on tax matters beyond your scope as a practice accountant, the we can recommend Philip Binfield Ltd http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/PhilipBinfiled_iht_11Oct2007.pdf Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:27:00 GMT manual:1201971095714:7542038070552148:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml We have been very kindly sent some excellent updates documents for the three areas of tax that have been discussed in the PBR. They are easy to read and have excellent worked examples, so I have asked Matthew Smethurst if we can distribute them, which he was happy to agree to. If you do need specialist advice on tax matters beyond your scope as a practice accountant, the we can recommend Philip Binfield Ltd We have been very kindly sent some excellent updates documents for the three areas of tax that have been discussed in the PBR. They are easy to read and have excellent worked examples, so I have asked Matthew Smethurst if we can distribute them, which he was happy to agree to. If you do need specialist advice on tax matters beyond your scope as a practice accountant, the we can recommend Philip Binfield Ltd http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/PhilipBinfiled_rd_11Oct2007.pdf Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:27:00 GMT manual:1201971095714:8208268198913067:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml One of our subscribers has e mailed me to ask about the new national minimum wage rates, which has prompted me to send out this email. Please find attached the source document. The new rates are £5.52 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older A development rate of £4.60 per hour for workers aged 18-21 inclusive £3.40 per hour for all workers under the age of 18, who are no longer of compulsory school age. And should be applied from 1st October In addition the minimum Holiday entitlement has also increased from 20 days a year to 24 days. From April 2009 this will increase to 28 days. We have had a few request for information on this area from employers, so I will prepare some notes for the website as well. One of our subscribers has e mailed me to ask about the new national minimum wage rates, which has prompted me to send out this email. Please find attached the source document. The new rates are £5.52 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older A development rate of £4.60 per hour for workers aged 18-21 inclusive £3.40 per hour for all workers under the age of 18, who are no longer of compulsory school age. And should be applied from 1st October In addition the minimum Holiday entitlement has also increased from 20 days a year to 24 days. From April 2009 this will increase to 28 days. We have had a few request for information on this area from employers, so I will prepare some notes for the website as well. http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Payroll_National_minimum_Rate_Youth_PAY050.pdf Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:39:00 GMT manual:1201971095714:5114565172992436:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml A new act has come into force today, which may affect your dealing with some clients. Where clients are either no longer, or have never been able to act for themselves an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) would have been in place to handle their property and finances. These have been replaced with Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) which has much more rigid guidelines and requirements. All EPAs made before 1st October remain valid, but any new requirements are governed by LPAs, and I have attached some extracts from the government website. For most people this will not be relevant, but becomes very relevant when you have elderly clients who become incapable of dealing with their own affairs, or clients who may have become injured and be unable to attend to their finances without assistance. A new act has come into force today, which may affect your dealing with some clients. Where clients are either no longer, or have never been able to act for themselves an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) would have been in place to handle their property and finances. These have been replaced with Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) which has much more rigid guidelines and requirements. All EPAs made before 1st October remain valid, but any new requirements are governed by LPAs, and I have attached some extracts from the government website. For most people this will not be relevant, but becomes very relevant when you have elderly clients who become incapable of dealing with their own affairs, or clients who may have become injured and be unable to attend to their finances without assistance. http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/HelpAccountants-MentalCapacityAct%202005.pdf Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:48:00 GMT Maria Land manual:1201970882448:6698106133315922:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml HMRC have now introduced a facility to email the accounts offices to ask for the £150 PAYE tax credit incentive. To access this please use the link below. If you have already offset the PAYE £150 payment or have sent a letter then this is not available to you. It goes without saying that the current back log for issuing the cheques is considerable, but it maybe that by filing online it could be quicker than by "snail" post. www.hmrc.gov.uk/efiling/help/claim-tax-free-pay.htm HMRC have now introduced a facility to email the accounts offices to ask for the £150 PAYE tax credit incentive. To access this please use the link below. If you have already offset the PAYE £150 payment or have sent a letter then this is not available to you. It goes without saying that the current back log for issuing the cheques is considerable, but it maybe that by filing online it could be quicker than by "snail" post. www.hmrc.gov.uk/efiling/help/claim-tax-free-pay.htm http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/HelpAccountantsNewOnlinefilingfortheTaxCredit.pdf Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:28:33 GMT Maria Land manual:1201970882464:8281456145179653:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml For all of you that are registered as a MIPS CIMA has introduced online registration for the annual MIPs forms. You should have received a letter, but in case you haven't here are the details. Before 30th September you need to access your My CIMA page on www.cimaglobal.com and make sure that your details have been inputted and are up to date as CIMA have stated that no paper copies will be sent out. For all of you that are registered as a MIPS CIMA has introduced online registration for the annual MIPs forms. You should have received a letter, but in case you haven't here are the details. Before 30th September you need to access your My CIMA page on www.cimaglobal.com and make sure that your details have been inputted and are up to date as CIMA have stated that no paper copies will be sent out. http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/HelpAccountantsCIMAMIPSHelpaccountantsInformation.pdf Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:22:00 GMT Maria Land manual:1201969691964:3263:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml You find youl need a username and password or PIN number just about everywhere online. If you've been active on the web for a while, the chances are you have dozens of them lying around. Dealing with these can be a real hassle, naturally. Especially if the passwords you have chosen are really hard to guess. But on the other hand if hackers or scammers were to guess your passwords correctly, your personal information, like your finances, medical data, confidential documents and so on, would be at risk. You find youl need a username and password or PIN number just about everywhere online. If you've been active on the web for a while, the chances are you have dozens of them lying around. Dealing with these can be a real hassle, naturally. Especially if the passwords you have chosen are really hard to guess. But on the other hand if hackers or scammers were to guess your passwords correctly, your personal information, like your finances, medical data, confidential documents and so on, would be at risk. http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/HelpAccountantsPasswordSecurity.pdf Mon, 17 Sep 2007 22:45:00 GMT Maria Land manual:1201969596433:1872549181740084:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml HMRC have recently launched a new NIL return for Online Payroll, which saves a lot of time and postage if you have a large number of small payrolls that may not file any PAYE until the year end. HMRC have recently launched a new NIL return for Online Payroll, which saves a lot of time and postage if you have a large number of small payrolls that may not file any PAYE until the year end. http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/Helpaccountants%20-%20NIL%20Returns%20for%20Payroll.pdf Mon, 17 Sep 2007 22:34:00 GMT Maria Land manual:1201969596433:16068072240414556:http://www.helpaccountants.co.uk/rss/rss.xml