Definition of "professional accountants" in the context of MSC providers

[cailin dana]

I don't think it's just him, I don't think any of them are helping themselves here...... at all!

[Mickmanus]

I don't think it's just him, I don't think any of them are helping themselves here...... at all!

This is not the only post in which thepuma has acted in a less than professional manner.

[Cowboy Bob]

This is not the only post in which thepuma has acted in a less than professional manner.

Exactly, there are a number of threads in which he has deliberately tried to undermine the customer base and potential customers of the other accountants on this board. The difference is that this is the only thread so far where the other accountancy firms have decided to defend themselves - quite rightly IMO. There's only so much bad-mouthing that they should allow.

[cailin dana]

I didn't realise - I've just seen this thread. It's still a bit uncomforable to read but fair enough, the others should be able to defend themselves.

[THEPUMA]

This is not the only post in which thepuma has acted in a less than professional manner.

It's funny because I am not a particularly argumentative person in real life but when you disagree with someone in black and white it does look particularly harsh. I'm sure if myself and Simon were having this discussion in the pub, noone would bat an eyelid.

Also, as I've said elsewhere, the fact that I am the only one trying to put a particular point of view does make me come across as argumentative but I think it is important that there is some balance on this board.

The other thread where I could have been accused of being argumentative was the NMW vs £97 pw thread and again I was just trying to put the counter-argument. I thought that was a useful thread for the community despite the fact that I was in a minority amongst the accountants.

I would hope I've not been unprofessional anywhere. I may have overstepped the mark a couple of times but I'm not the type to sit on the fence and maybe that is the problem.

I will be more careful not to be offensive in the future but not at the risk of not putting both sides of the story.

[Burdock]

Always thought that The Puma was a refreshing (and useful) counter-balance.

[Bradley]

Easy Prey?

What'll happen of course is that HMRC will drive PSC providers like SJD, Nixon Williams etc out of business which means that newbies are left without "proper" representation as accountants & agencies will not want to take the risk of paying the tax.

This of course means that it is easier for HMRC to challenge unrepresented businesses over IR35 etc.

[BOBJ]

What'll happen of course is that HMRC will drive PSC providers like SJD, Nixon Williams etc out of business

Assume you are right, what is the quickest that this could go through parliament...could it be done anytime, or would it have to be part of a budget or....? Thoughts?

[malvolio]

It's nonsense, it won't happen. Look outside IT for a moment and work out how many accountancy firms and other small businesses would fall into the net if they tried that approach.

The definiton of an MSC (fuzzy and NL-ishly imprecise as it is) does not include providers of accountancy services, it only includes those who also have a measure of control over the limited company's business. So can we stop this whole pointless debate.

[Bradley]

Filetravel

On their website

The Finance Bill 2007 released on the 30th March, dramatically changed the definition of a Managed Service Company (MSC). After due consideration and following consultation with our legal advisors, Filetravel's association with independent Personal Service Companies would by definition create typical managed service company conditions. Acting with everyone's best interests, Filetravel will not put our clients and agency partners finances at risk. This fact is the underlying premise of our decision to withdraw from providing independent PSC related services.

Filetravel is not alone in being affected by this legislation, clearly any PSC provider who encourages, facilitates or otherwise is actively involved and benefits financially on an ongoing basis from an individuals company would appear to be caught by the MSC legislation.

and another one bites the (PSC) dust .... It's divide and rule tactics by big bad broon