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Self Assessment

Don't Fall For The Fake Tax Refund Messages
Don’t fall for the fake tax refund messages 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

Don’t fall for the fake tax refund messages

The HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) are taking a very proactive approach in highlighting a spam campaign currently on the rise which relates to false tax refund claims. Although it has been around for a number of years, it has again started to build moment with estimated figures rising by over 15% in the last 12 months.

So, what is the scam?

An email is sent which has been branded to look as though it has been issued by the HMRC, it can be very deceptive, recipients will need to carefully check the actual e-mail address used by the sender. The content of the message will be something like the following:

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has sent you this notification as your eligibility has been checked. We owe you 843.78 GBP.

GOV.UK HM Revenue and Customs Gateway Claims (this will show in blue as a hyperlink)

Your reference is GHS-W3K5-OB8.

By clicking on the links in the e-mail and entering details the scammers can capture vital information when asking for bank details which they will then use for fraudulent purposes.

Why is there such a high interest now?

This time of year, is when the scam hits its peaks as more and more people are filing their self-assessment tax returns. Whilst the example above relates to an e-mail, scammers are also using both phone calls and text messages to offer fake tax refunds.

What are HMRC saying?

The warnings from HMRC are very simple, they will NOT issue any form of communication (e-mail, text or telephone) to let a taxpayer know that they are due a refund. They are also very clear that at no stage will individuals be encouraged to request a refund. If a person is entitled to money back, then this will be clearly shown on their HMRC account and payment can be made directly in to the bank account held on file. At no stage will HMRC issue a communication asking for bank details.

The HMRC are requesting that if any suspicious communications are received then they should be forwarded on e-mail to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk or if text messages received, they should be forwarded to 60599.

Should you have any questions or concerns then the Stepping Stones Accountancy team can offer both help and support. Please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk.

You can also book a free 20-minute call with Yarka – https://calendly.com/yarka-ssa/20min

Why change something if it is not broke
Why change something if it is not broke? 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

Why change something if it is not broke?

With the changes to self assessment thresholds bought in to simplify the submittal processes, has it really had the positive impact the government were hoping? Let’s explore this in more detail.

When the autumn statement was released there was a very small area included which relates to employees on PAYE who no longer have to file tax returns from 2024/25, regardless of the amount that they earn. This was a follow up on the changes introduced in 23/24 where employees who solely had income from PAYE only had to worry about self assessment when there earnings were in excess of £150,000.

When these changes were introduced there were a number of concerns raised about any underpayments or overpayments that could be made by professionals earning over £100,000 who do not have to file any returns in regards to self assessment.

There does appear to be a number of discrepancies which can cause issues with employees that have no other taxable income than PAYE. There can easily be failures to declare specific liabilities simply because it was perceived that this was no longer needed. There could also be a failure to pay any tax owed on investment returns because again it was assumed this was not applicable.

According to HMRC the message is simple; keep them up to date with all income by using their digital services. Report everything that is relevant. Of course this sounds easy but anybody who has used the HMRC platform knows it can actually be a complex matter. Coupled with the issues which arise when contacting HMRC support to ask questions the phrase “clear as mud” can sum up the entire process.

The simple solution is to leave it to the professionals. Seek out a qualified accountant who knows exactly what is needed can take care of the entire process. Take stock early, consider all factors that are relevant but most importantly, consult with experts who are easy and available to contact when you need them.

In summary the changes in self-assessment threshold have been introduced to simplify the process but clearly it has caused more confusion than clarity. So why change something when it is not broken?

If you have any questions in regard to self assessment thresholds or need some help with any aspect of business accountancy our team would be happy to help. Please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk. You can also book a free 20-minute call with Yarka – https://calendly.com/yarka-ssa/20min

What Are You Asked For When Setting Up With A New Accountant | New Accountant |
What are you asked for when setting up with a new accountant? 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

What are you asked for when setting up with a new accountant?

Change can often fill people with dread. We are at our most happy when we are content and feel safe. Even the little things like changing the provider of our home insurance or our utility provider can cause stress, so much so that many just stick with an auto renew.

However, change can be good and should be embraced. Gone are the days when changing to new suppliers cause extra work, hassle and delays. Instead, change is simple, easy and stress free. The same can be said when appointing a new accountant. Of course, there is a little bit of work to be done but by completing the following simple activities your new accountant can be up and running in no time:

Stage 1 – 20 Minutes

The first step takes no more than 20 minutes, it is a simple telephone call to undertake a fact-finding exercise. It is a great chance to cement the business relationship, run through some standard business questions, identify the type of help that is needed and recommend steps to move forward.

Stage 2 – 2 days

Next step is a data exchange process which includes proposal of work, access to all relevant online portals and uploading data. This is typically a 2-day process, and the result is the acceptance of the accountant’s plans and commitment to agree to work being undertaken.

Stage 3 – 1 week

Our third step is a 1-week process focussed on due diligence. The necessary security checks will be undertaken, including photo ID for recognition and anti-money laundering. Following this will be the full registration to a client portal.

Stage 4 – 2 to 5 weeks 

The final stage, which is the longest, is the registration through HMRC. This will involve applying for Corporation Tax, PAYE, VAT and Self-Assessment codes which allow the accountant to act on behalf of the business or individual. Authorisation will typically take 10 days to arrive and then a scheduling of works can commence.

Once these key steps are taken a business owner can sit back and relax in the knowledge that all of their accountancy responsibilities are taken care of, and they can focus solely on the successful running of their business.

If you have any questions or have a few more questions, please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk. You can also book a free 30-minute call with Yarka – https://calendly.com/yarka-ssa/30min

HMRC Explore Options for Changing Tax Payments | HMRC Tax Advice | Modern Tax Administration | HMRC Tax Help Bristol
HMRC exploring options of changing tax payments 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

HMRC exploring options of changing tax payments

The Government have recently announced a 10-year strategy to build a modern tax administration systems and as part of this they have begun a consultation period which lasts until 13 July 2021. This will involve a “call for evidence” approach which focuses on the benefits and challenges of the current tax payment system with a view to reducing the gap between when income/profits increase and income tax or corporation tax is paid. 

As with any new scheme there will be some issues to overcome. For example, how do you consider payments that are made under the income self-assessment heading or corporation tax for small companies, as these do not fall under the quarterly tax instalments?

How it currently stands

As it currently stands any self-employed taxpayer who has just started trading will have up to 22 months to pay their first tax bill. For an established trader, payment will typically be made twice a year and a balancing payment on any outstanding liability.

If we look at corporation tax there is also a delay between making profit and when a corporation payment is due. Payment is due in 1 instalment no later than 9 months after a company’s accounting period.

The need for change

The current situation brings with it a range of issues, having a large liability to pay at a specific time of the year can cause problems, especially when a tax bill comes out higher than what was expected. Changing this to a more regular payment based on the end of year reports could provide more accurate figures and greater control.

The issue

The HMRC are focussed on trying to improve how they receive funds, especially considering that 34% of their outstanding debts are for income tax and corporation tax.

What are the plans?

Consideration is being given to whether payments should be on either a monthly or a quarterly basis. As it stands HMRC are exploring all options.

Tax payments could be calculated in the year, developed as a result of up-to-date information and with projections on annual liability. Alternatively, tax payments could be based around the previous year’s tax liabilities. Finally, it could be based on estimations of the taxpayer’s liability for the operating year.

Of course, all ideas are on the table at the moment. The focus is to develop ideas that can be given careful consideration before a framework for moving forward can be finalised. HMRC also recognises that plans might need to be different for specific industries or taxpayer types.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your tax liabilities please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk.

Gain Control of your Self Assessment | Help with Self Assessment | Self Assessment Hints & Tips
Gain control of your self assessment 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

Gain control of your self assessment

It is surprising how a to-do list can achieve so much. The art of writing down a list of actions and then following them through to completion is nothing new but it still remains an incredibly powerful tool for efficient people. So how can this method help you get control of your self assessment?

Quite simply, if you follow some specific instructions to a set timeframe every year then you will have complete control of your self assessment. For example, if we look at the period of 2021 to 2022, it really is a very simple process based on 5 key steps:

  1. Monthly – keep track of all your monthly business transactions, logging a record of invoices, receipts and expenses.
  2. Register for self assessment by 5th October 2021 (if you have never done this before)
  3. When filing online submit your return by midnight on 31st January 2022
  4. Ensure relevant tax payments are made by midnight on 31st January 2022

In order to complete the self assessment you will need the following:

  • Your 10-digit unique taxpayer reference (UTR)
  • Your national insurance number
  • All details of your untaxed income for the period 2021/22 (this will include income from self-employment, dividends and interest on any shares
  • All records of expenses in relation to self-employment
  • Charity or pension contributions that should be eligible for tax relief
  • A P60 or any other records to demonstrate how much income you have received which has been paid on

Keeping in control of your self assessment can be a very simple exercise just follow your to-do list. Otherwise simply delegate and get your accountant to look after it for you.

Should you have any questions or need any help in relation to your self assessment please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk.

In Control of Self Assessment 150 150 Stepping Stones Accountancy

In Control of Self Assessment

In our latest animated video we show how you can get complete control of your self assessment, when it needs completing and what information needs to be submitted.

Help With Self Assessment Deadline 150 150 Stepping Stones Accountancy

Help With Self Assessment Deadline

Do you know what the self-assessment deadline is? Do you know what expenses you can claim? This video will explain all about it.

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