Backdated VAT

[MrMarkyMark]

Hmm I've not heard any contractors doing this though but you could be right.

Bit of a new thing, I believe.
The missus has just signed up with an accountancy firm, that I forget the name of, that does this for her.

[Pondlife]

Bit of a new thing, I believe.
The missus has just signed up with an accountancy firm, that I forget the name of, that does this for her.

She does retain complete control of HerCo's bank account though, right?

Basically ensuring it's not an MSC

[MrMarkyMark]

She does retain complete control of HerCo's bank account though, right?

Good point.
Yes, its only like an agency self billing system really.

[WordIsBond]

Two factors here that could contribute to wanting an accountant to do invoicing -- OP was away from home, and weekly invoicing. If I didn't have a wife to do it, and invoicing was weekly, I might well think it worth it to pay an accountant to spare me the hassle. And if I was working away from home, that would be one more reason to want to outsource as many mind-numbing tasks as possible.

[jkdaniel]

As far as i know backdated VAT is quite possible. Not sure why the Agency would deny it.
Is your VAT registration date with the HMRC falls later than your invoice dates.??
Accountant can register you for VAT much before the current date.

[MrMarkyMark]

As far as i know backdated VAT is quite possible.

Very possible.
I invoiced an agency separately for outstanding VAT, on past invoices, when I first set up.

[gary3306]

VAT reg number was included from very first invoice and on all subsequent invoices. VAT was also included and specified as the VAT element on all invoices. I knew I was right in believing they were talking ball locks. Its not as if they can't claim it back for gods sake.

As mentioned above, my accountant sends invoices on my behalf as I work away and the invoices are weekly. I don't always have access to wi-fi, mail systems etc to be able to do it myself. I submit a timesheet to both my agency and my accountant. An invoice is then raised on my behalf. Works well and no hassle for me (save for this current situation). My accountant is chasing this 'debt' as a liability on their part now. I was unable to send my VAT reg cert to them as obviously it was at home and I was stuck offshore, so could only send them a copy when I got home. I think they are using the fact that they didn't have a copy as their ammo to hold me off. I reckon I have heavy artillery in the form of the Tax Man on my side.

Thanks for all your comments, which only served to concur with my thoughts and strengthen my resolve to get this sorted. They don't like it up 'em you know!

[SueEllen]

Google Dunning and payontime.

And follow the process.

They will pay up once they realise you will go through with court action as they will have a hard time explaining to a judge that they can't pay a VAT invoice without seeing a photocopy of the VAT certificate.

[WilsonPiper72]

Am I the only one that is a little curious about why his accountant is doing his invoicing?

It depends....

In my case back in 06-07 inspite of instructing Mr. Brookson that I will raise the invoices .. they did it ( Many were duplicate!) and that was the end of my association with Mr. Brookson! ( there were other reasons too!)

Secondly I explicitly get it in writing ( in a contract) Daily Rate + VAT.
Now a days some agents are playing dumb and doing mischief by mentioning all inclusive rate!!

Cheers
W.

[jmo21]

They are now saying it is their 'company policy' not to pay backdated VAT on invoices.

So reply, "That's fine, I will contact HMRC's VAT department and ask them how to proceed, can I have the name of the correct person in your finance department who would deal with this for them?"