Originally posted by IR35 Avoider
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In answer to previous questions... never used the expense scanner, thought it would be a great feature, but I do my expenses in batch once a month so used my A4 scanner.
To those of you who like doing your own submissions - that's kind of what Crunch does. Except it generates the info for you to review before sending it in via HMRC webservices (or whatever they use at the backend). I love it - screwed up my vat retrun a few times previously by claiming the same (£2000 of apple gear) capital purchase in 2 periods. You also get a reminder to do it. and also to chase any invoices which haven't been paid yet - or to book them in if they have - as this will affect what goes on the return. I.e you don't pay VAT on invoices that were issued in the period but haven't been paid yet. Never knew that before - but then it had never happened either.
I particularly like the invoicing feature - stick in your logo - add a footer - like please pay within 30 days to bank account 9999999 sort code 99-99-99. And the fact you can put stuff like 5 days at £1500 per day and it works out the VAT for you.
Also like the Flat rate VAT adjustment. On the Landing page you can see a figure that is your Flat Rate "Additional Profit" which you'd haven not received on the standard scheme.
The other thing that is good is the current tax and profit position. Stop you taking a dividend that is too big and which would be illegal.
Things I don't like...
Recon can get in a mess if you have two transactions on the same date - think it's fixed now as I haven't seen it for a few months.
The "pay yourself" feature can be a bit confusing to start with. It records the payments you will make - but you still need to book them in under directors withdrawals. I might have a think about this and send them a feature request. They have a wiki where people can +1 for new features - so bigger issues can get done first. (Agile dev?).
Overall - I'd recommend them as its much better then spreadsheets. And having it online means you can do it from anywhere - not just when you are back at home at the weekend.
Like another poster said - in case of supplier failure, I keep electronic copies of all divvys, invoices, tax returns etc. Download the PDF from Crunch to laptop, it then automatically backs up to Timecapsule, and to dropbox. With 4 copies in various places I'm covered for hardware, viral and accidental screw ups. Unless there's a nuclear attack that hits several major cities.
PS Ask around where you work - if you can get a personal recommend from someone - they give you both a £25 amazon voucher. That's how I came across it - was asking around if anyone had used online payroll service. Hadn't even thought of online accounting.
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