Upton Accountants - more info

[Clare@InTouch]

Are co House fines really not tax deductible?

Nope - they aren't incurred for the purposes of the trade.

A fine incurred as a result of a trader's infraction of the law is not allowable on the authority of CIR v Alexander von Glehn Ltd [1920] 12TC232, as it is not incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the trade.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/bim42515.htm

[imightbewrong]

I am (was) with uptons and realised all too late that they weren't going to be able to file my accounts in time.

I emailed Companies House explaining the situation, and they granted me a six-week extension to file them (from the Secretary of State no less!).

I mention this in case it helps someone who may be stuck.

[Pondlife]

For those who are looking for a new accountant you could probably do worse than searching for someone local here

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

I'm sure Uptons were PCG accredited at one stage. While its certainly a good starting point, its no guarantee that they are any use. Only that they know about IR35.

[DeludedAussie]

I'm sure Uptons were PCG accredited at one stage. While its certainly a good starting point, its no guarantee that they are any use. Only that they know about IR35.

Has anyone considered claiming on their indemnity insurance?

[Bagpuss]

Has anyone considered claiming on their indemnity insurance?

The accountant(s) claim on the insurance. Whether a policy would cover what has happened here is another matter.

[Crack Addick]

I am (was) with uptons and realised all too late that they weren't going to be able to file my accounts in time.

I emailed Companies House explaining the situation, and they granted me a six-week extension to file them (from the Secretary of State no less!).

I mention this in case it helps someone who may be stuck.

Who exactly will be doing to do your accounts during your 6 week extension? (I'm still waiting for mine and my patience is swiftly running out.) Have you since moved or are you still relying on Uptons?

[satiated]

I was with Upton for around 4 years. My accounts were due at the end of June and Darren had them ready (4 days before the due date - this was actually earlier than he normally was getting them done over the last year or so!). I made the payment to Hmrc and was chasing Darren to find out if he had submitted the accounts, before I finally called the office and found out he had been arrested.

I got a £150 fine from Companies House and just paid it to get it clear. I told Tina that I didn't think it was fair that my company pay for it, and she reimbursed me.

I'm now in the process of moving to another accountant. I was already looking to move because it was like squeezing blood from a stone to get service out of Darren. The work he did was usually accurate, but you had to scream like an angry baboon to get him to start it, and it was always done on the final due date, which left me having to pay for chaps payments to get the money there in time. Should have moved ages ago.

I will say that Philip Taylor and Tina from Upton have both been helpful after all of this blew up. It's a difficult situation for them I'm sure, and they could have just closed the door on me to focus on more pressing matters. It doesn't stop me moving to another accountant, though.

[imightbewrong]

Uptons had sub-contracted the accounts on to other accountants to be done. Mine had been passed to Lima, who had mostly done them but then for whatever reason that relationship seemed to end. I went direct to Lima who completed them for an additional fee and they are now filed. In the end I did not need the extension, which was lucky as I did not get official conformation of it until after the date had passed - Uptons were saying they would be able to do them on time, but then admitted mine were too far down 'the list' with only a few days to go.

I suggest if anyone is still depending on Uptons to complete their accounts and they are due soon (presumably some are due at the end of this week?) that they consider applying for a simlar extension. You would still need to pay HMRC, but I am guessing you can just pay them now (over estimate) to avoid interest being acrued - estimating your corp tax is pretty easy.

[DeludedAussie]

The accountant(s) claim on the insurance. Whether a policy would cover what has happened here is another matter.

What do you mean the accountants claim?

Surely if work is done late / to a poor standard then the client will claim on the policy?

Has anyone managed to lodge a complaint with the accounting body? Has anyone claimed from the PI insurance?