Did you file your tax return on Christmas Day?

A new press release by HMRC has highlighted the fact that 3,275 taxpayers took the time to file their tax return online on Christmas Day with a further 10,311 taxpayers completing their tax returns on Boxing Day. In total, 22,060 Self-Assessment returns were filed between 24 and 26 December. The total number of submissions for the period were actually less than last year. 

HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:

‘We are grateful to those customers who have already filed their tax returns. For anyone who is yet to make a start, help is available on GOV.UK, just search ‘Self-Assessment’ to find out more.’

If you are filing online for the first time you should ensure that you register to use HMRC’s Self-Assessment online service as soon as possible. Once registered an activation code will be sent by mail. This process can take up to 10 working days. 

We would encourage our readers to complete their tax return as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress as the 31 January 2023 filing date looms. Last year over 2.3 million taxpayers or 19% of those required to file missed the 31 January deadline.

If you miss the filing deadline then you will be charged a £100 fixed penalty (unless you have a reasonable excuse) which applies even if there is no tax to pay, or if the tax due is paid on time. There are further penalties for late tax returns still outstanding 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the deadline. There are also additional penalties for late payment amounting to 5% of the tax unpaid at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months.

A new press release by HMRC has highlighted that 2,700 taxpayers took the time to file their tax return online on Christmas Day with a further 8,500 taxpayers completing their tax returns on Boxing Day. In total, 31,400 Self-Assessment returns were filed between 24 and 26 December. Although this was a Christmas like no other, the number of submissions was actually slightly down on Christmas 2019. More than 11 million taxpayers are expected to complete a 2019-20 Self-Assessment tax return this year by 31 January 2021. 

HMRC’s Interim Director General for Customer Services, said:

'Online Self-Assessment means customers can do their tax returns at any time, day or night – even on Christmas Day if they want to. We’re here to help customers get their tax right, and there’s support available 24/7. For example, help sheets, webinars and YouTube videos. Search ‘Self-Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.'

If you are filing online for the first time you should ensure that you register to use HMRC’s Self-Assessment Online service as soon as possible. Once registered an activation code will be sent by mail. This process can take up to 10 working days. 

We would encourage our readers to complete their tax return as early as possible to avoid the last-minute stress as the 31 January 2021 filing date looms. Last year, over 958,000 taxpayers missed the 31 January deadline.

A new press release by HMRC has highlighted the fact that 3,003 taxpayers took the time to file their tax return online on Christmas Day with a further 9,254 taxpayers completing their tax returns on Boxing Day. More than 11 million taxpayers are expected to complete a 2018-19 Self-Assessment tax return this year, on or before 31 January 2020.

HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, Angela MacDonald, said:

'Whether you squeezed it in before tucking into a Christmas pudding, after the Queen’s Speech, or trying to grab a bargain during the festive sales, our online service is available for you to file your tax return at any time you wish.'

If you are filing online for the first time you should ensure that you register to use HMRC’s Self-Assessment Online service as soon as possible. Once registered, an activation code will be sent by mail. This process can take up to 10 working days.

We would encourage our readers to complete their tax return as early as possible to avoid any last-minute stress. The 31 January 2020 filing date looms. Last year, over 700,000 taxpayers didn’t make the required filing deadline.

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Case Studies

The Tax Man

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Business Valuation in Distress

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FD in The Cupboard

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The Tax Man

The Tax Man

A new client was introduced to us via a recommendation with whom we arranged to meet on a regular basis in order to determine a number of changes that we felt were needed to their business structure. The client was at the time operating as a husband and wife partnership. The business was flourishing and had a number of large contracts with big organisations.

At the start of the process they were still heavily immersed in their day to day operations so we can get a full flavour for their ambitions, aspirations and growth plans. We quickly recognised there were sufficient tax savings which can be achieved by changing the structure from a partnership to a corporate entity. We carried out a business valuation and disposed of the goodwill from the old to the new business. Unfortunately, as often is the case with efficient tax planning, HMRC got involved and disputed our valuation.

An HMRC investigation can be a very stressful time for any client, even for those best prepared. However, our client had minimal input in the HMRC communication as we dealt with this professionally behind the scene. As an added benefit, our client could rest on the security that all work was covered by insurance and therefore all costs and time in dealing with this enquiry were covered by the fee protection policy we had put in place.

The initial approach taken by HMRC was very aggressive and they tried to present an argument that there was no goodwill in the business. We challenged HMRC’s view that the goodwill was worthless. After lengthy correspondence and numerous telephone calls, HMRC agreed 100% with our original valuation, which preserved our original tax saving plan for the client. Tax savings on this case where in the region of £75K at the outset, with ongoing savings of £6,000 per annum. We are pleased to add another happy client to our portfolio.

Business Valuation in Distress

Business Valuation in Distress

Selling a business is never an easy process, but when disputes arise, the need for a reliable third party due diligence process is even greater.

Tearle & Carver have extensive understanding of the requirements for remaining objective when managing a potentially difficult company buyout. In one such case, we were approached by the courts to act as independent accountant for an acrimonious business sale in which one partner was exiting the business and selling shares to the other. Given the circumstances, both sides had totally polar views of what their business was worth.

After arranging an initial meeting with the company, we were thorough in ensuring we completed due diligence, validating the figures in the accounting records, carrying out adjustments where appropriate, and drafting a set of reliable management figures within the framework required by the court.

A draft version of the report detailing our findings and conclusions was submitted to both parties, giving them the opportunity to voice any queries or concerns and ensure all relevant factors had been taken into account.

Through this process, we were able to submit a final report to the courts that was both binding and acceptable to both parties, effectively resolving what could otherwise have been a time consuming and costly process for all sides.

FD in The Cupboard

FD in The Cupboard

For smaller companies, it is often not possible or cost effective to pay for a full-time Financial Director.
Many of our clients therefore make use of Tearle & Carver’s extensive expertise to provide the services of an FD as and when required.

In this case, we were approached by the management team of an organisation looking to acquire the existing business via an MBO (Management buy out). Their business plan had proved ineffective for securing funding, and what they needed was financial expertise from someone with a developed understanding of the company’s internal workings.

Tearle & Carver helped deliver the solution our clients were looking through utilising our bank contacts in order to make the MBO viable, while also building a robust business plan and preparing our client for the rigorous vetting process. To help with cash flow issues, we introduced factoring which led to improved cash flow management.

We advised on the appropriate business valuation and structure, and continued to prepare monthly accounts to track profgress once the management were fully in command of all the information they needed to move their business forward.

In order to best assist these clients through the crucial first year of ownership, we attended board meetings on a regular basis, a service that we continue to provide to date.

With our continually developing understanding of their business, this client is able to remain confident that Tearle & Carver can provide any financial support they may need, now and in the future.