SJD accountants

[ContrataxLtd]

Interesting thoughts. I might add that when you use FA there is an instant chat pop up manned by FA staff and they answer questions instantly. FA also claim they have qualified accountants on hand to answer subscriber queries. My present accountants who are an established spreadsheet firm recently introduced FA accounts as an option for their clients. Given that FA puts nearly all the clerical work load on the customer and most of the calculations and returns are done by the software, I was surprised that the accountant wanted to increase their monthly fee to move to FA. I have actually given my accountant notice that I'm moving after 13 years. I haven't finalised my choice of next accountant yet, but it will be one of the lower cost FA accountants that I move to.

I would imagine that the increase fee would be to pass on the fee they pay to Freeagent for the software subscription? It's a fine balance looking at how much of the cost to pass onto the client and how much to absorb yourself (as the accountant) as Freeagent inevitably does reduce workload/increase efficiency from an accountants perspective.

As far as I know Freeagent do have qualified accountants on hand if necessary but I think most of the queries they answer are relating to how to use the software rather than tax queries?

Just out of interest, how much do you think is reasonable to pay for an accountant including the Freeagent subscription?

Martin
Contratax Ltd

[Fred Bloggs]

Given that I'd expect to do the VAT and pay roll through FA, and perhaps the self assessment return, then the offers I see around the £60 per month including FA seems a reasonable compromise. I have considered just using an accountant for end of year stuff as I tend to research my own tax affairs etc.. But I think for around £60 a month it would be useful to have email access to an accountant if required. Quite a bit of choice available at that price for what I need.

[ContrataxLtd]

Given that I'd expect to do the VAT and pay roll through FA, and perhaps the self assessment return, then the offers I see around the £60 per month including FA seems a reasonable compromise. I have considered just using an accountant for end of year stuff as I tend to research my own tax affairs etc.. But I think for around £60 a month it would be useful to have email access to an accountant if required. Quite a bit of choice available at that price for what I need.

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

I'd agree that if you can get an accountant for a price you are happy with then this normally makes better sense than just going for a yearend only service. You will probably pay a similar amount by paying monthly but have the benefit of someone on hand to sense check things if needed.


Martin
Contratax Ltd

[Fred Bloggs]

Thanks Martin, that's fine. Actual situation is that I am closing down MyCo due to no work. It will be 18 months at year end with no income. There is only a few hundred quid left in the company. So it makes sense to wrap things up at year end and start with a clean slate when/if the industry improves. I'll bear you in mind if I land a new assignment, not looking likely presently though.

[ContrataxLtd]

Thanks Martin, that's fine. Actual situation is that I am closing down MyCo due to no work. It will be 18 months at year end with no income. There is only a few hundred quid left in the company. So it makes sense to wrap things up at year end and start with a clean slate when/if the industry improves. I'll bear you in mind if I land a new assignment, not looking likely presently though.

I thought I recognised the name, I do hope you manage to pick something up soon so good luck with that! A stark warning to all the newbies out there, contracting does come with it's risks.

Martin
Contratax Ltd

[Fred Bloggs]

Indeed, but I can't complain, I had 13 solid years of back to back contracts. It has taken the deepest slump in history in the energy industries to put me out of work. Along with an estimated 100,000 others, mostly from the North Sea related industries. For those wondering how big their war chest should be, mine was 18 months and I run out in a month or so time.

[SeaSpaniel]

SJD slippery slope

I've been using SJD since the formation of my ltd company over 3 years ago, never had many complaints, besides the fact that I had a new accountant about every 6 months and they are relatively expensive for the actual work they do, but lately they seem to have gone worse.
Anybody else experiencing this or is it just my current accountant?

Did anyone on here ever manage to negotiate a reduction on their rate?

Eirikur

I agree. in the last 12 months I have had the following issues

1. Error on my company accounts- spotted and corrected by me
2. 13 accountants in 9 years
3. Change of office location without letting me know
4. Automated Notification after I've sent the required information (VAT in particular)
5. Double charged with Company return. Still waiting for refund 2 months in
6. Free banking offer that would have sent my Bank charges from £60 to £600 which they could have worked out if they bothered to read the detail of the offer then run it against my accounts. (I bet they haven't done this with anyone else's accounts and so I expect some bank charges to increase for those who take up the offer)
7. When I suggested that a token of goodwill was in order I was offered free bookkeeping for 3 months. Clearly I want SJD to do even more for me despite their track record of not getting it right.

It's not that the sums are huge but the principles involved. I contract to a "customer first" business. Making the mistake isn't an issue it is what you do to correct it and so far SJD is epic fail. How can I trust my accounts when their attention to detail is absent.

I've complained 3 times and no sign of a genuine remedial action just corporate fobbing off.

[nosuchuser]

Done with SJD

Been using them for 7 years, now being charged for personal tax returns. Grasping tightwads.

Time to find a replacement..

[Waldorf]

Been using them for 7 years, now being charged for personal tax returns. Grasping tightwads.

Time to find a replacement..

Their website states that it is included!

[saptastic]

Their website states that it is included!

Link?