Forum

topBanner
First Previous - Page 1 of 1 - Next Last

Registering with HMRC - VAT for Agents

Rasa
  • Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 61 posts
  • # 83317

Hello all,

I was wondering if any of you are registered with HMRC for VAT for Agents? Do you find that providing complete VAT service to clients, including filing VAT return for them online useful? Or do clients prefer to log in themselves to do it?

 
  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 51 posts
  • # 83324

I'm registered as an agent for most of my clients.  Find it's the easiest way to ensure VAT Returns are completed fully.  Also most of my clients don't want the hassle of having to do it for themselves. 

Lol 
  • 115 posts
  • # 83336

I too am registered for VAT for agents and also find it's the easiest way to ensure VAT Returns are completed fully and filed on time. Also its a good selling point when you go to see a new client.
Jewellz Angels
  • Fellow
  • Practice Licence
  • 85 posts
  • # 83360

Hi Rasa,

We are HMRC Vat registered agents which is very useful if there's a query.

However, I encourage my clients to register in their own right, mainly for 2 reasons:

I like them to appreciate that they, the business owner, are ultimately responsible for the content of their vat return. We always review the return with the client before submission, so both they and we are happy with the content. If there's a query, as their vat agent, we can communicate with HMRC on their behalf, but the buck rests with them in terms of responsibility.

And the second is, I may get run over by a bus. They can, at least, access their vat records and make them accessible to a new accounts professional, should the unthinkable happen!

  • Kind Regards 

    Karen Jewell

    Karen Jewell Ltd

    Bookkeeping~Accounts~Payroll

    www.karenjewellltd.biz

     

     

     


  • Quote
Rasa
  • Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 61 posts
  • # 83370

Thank you all for your replies. My thoughts also were that it is a good selling point and then you are also in control of getting it done on time. I can imagine some clients can be not that organised when it comes to their accounts - although I am just starting out and looking for my first client!

Karen, it is a good point to have the client take responsibility for their VAT return and have access to it. Do you think signing off the figues would remind them that it is their responsibility also?
Jewellz Angels
  • Fellow
  • Practice Licence
  • 85 posts
  • # 83375

Hi Rasa,

Yes - I don't think it hurts to get a squiggle from them on the vat calculation reports. We do all the prep and reviewing, print off the reports - detailed and summary, as HMRC will want to see paper calculations if they do a check - they won't touch the computer.

A signature by the client, proving they've seen and agreed them, enables a bit of bookkeeper/client bonding and protects the bookkeeper from any possible accusation later on " I didn't know my bookkeeper had done that" - that type of thing.

  • Kind Regards 

    Karen Jewell

    Karen Jewell Ltd

    Bookkeeping~Accounts~Payroll

    www.karenjewellltd.biz

     

     

     


  • Quote
nckbooks
  • 328 posts
  • # 83379

Hi Everyone,

Having to face the fact that most of clients/Potential clients do not want the hassle of filling the VAT return themselve, I am now considering registering myself too.

Clients, in my opinion, need to be reminded/educated on their responsibility with regards to the filling.

In regards to requesting a signature from the client supporting the filling, would an e-mail ackknowledging the figures be sufficient? Vat return are now requested to be filled electronically. Waiting for a letter signed by the client through the post is not, in my opinion, an effective process to have in place.

Kind Regards,

Nathalie xxx

Edited at 23 Jun 2012 11:39 AM GMT

Edited at 23 Jun 2012 11:40 AM GMT

  • Provide bookkeeping and virtual accountancy assistance service in English and French @nckaccountancy.
    West Essex Twitter:http://nckaccountancy.co.uk
    E-mail: info@nckaccountancy.co.uk

  • Quote
Jewellz Angels
  • Fellow
  • Practice Licence
  • 85 posts
  • # 83381

Absolutely Nathalie - if we work in their offices, we get a squiggle there and then. If not, the reports are pdf'd to them and they email back an "OK to file". It's not laborious or onerous or overly official - just them acknowledging the upcoming vat due. :-)

Edited at 23 Jun 2012 12:03 PM GMT

Edited at 23 Jun 2012 12:04 PM GMT

  • Kind Regards 

    Karen Jewell

    Karen Jewell Ltd

    Bookkeeping~Accounts~Payroll

    www.karenjewellltd.biz

     

     

     


  • Quote
First Previous - Page 1 of 1 - Next Last
bottomBanner
loading