Reply to: Weird message from HMRC VAT - scam?

[psychocandy]

VAT inspectors are usually OK with that kind of stuff. They probably won't push their 'statutory entry' line at all.

When I had my VAT visit (as mentioned earlier) they couldn't have been easier to deal with. I re-arranged a couple of times and when I finally bit the bullet and got it arranged, the inspector called me saying he'd crashed his car and would have to re-schedule g I used that to push it out a bit, but when it happened, it was relatively painless.

I know you don't take advice very well usually (unless it's confirmation of what you wanted to hear) but I would say you shouldn't be antagonistic just because you think you're special. They could tie you in knots if they want to.

Not being awkward at all but I could sit there, waste a days billing and then find out it wasn't genuine at all. Or worse still have someone show up whos not even from the HMRC.

No way to contact person who arranged this and no letter. Without this I can't send to Abbey Tax and claim on IPSE Business interrruption service either.

[TestMangler]

Have done so. Its a bit much not to send me the letter as promised and also not to even bother calling me back now.

I must admit I am wondering how genuine the call was now....

Have warned the Mrs that if someone shows up next week (I'll be at client now) to tell them to do one.

VAT inspectors are usually OK with that kind of stuff. They probably won't push their 'statutory entry' line at all.

When I had my VAT visit (as mentioned earlier) they couldn't have been easier to deal with. I re-arranged a couple of times and when I finally bit the bullet and got it arranged, the inspector called me saying he'd crashed his car and would have to re-schedule g I used that to push it out a bit, but when it happened, it was relatively painless.

I know you don't take advice very well usually (unless it's confirmation of what you wanted to hear) but I would say you shouldn't be antagonistic just because you think you're special. They could tie you in knots if they want to.

[psychocandy]

I hope you left a message on her phone stating without written confirmation you won't be available as you will presume they gave cancelled. If not do so now.

They should have both your trading address and trading email.

Have done so. Its a bit much not to send me the letter as promised and also not to even bother calling me back now.

I must admit I am wondering how genuine the call was now....

Have warned the Mrs that if someone shows up next week (I'll be at client now) to tell them to do one.

[SueEllen]

Update on this.

OK so I spoke to Abbey Tax last time and they said, yeh normal Im afraid. Make the appt when you get it in writing, fill out the IPSE forms and send in. We'll deal with and try and get you out of it. Fair play.

Anyway, so it slipped my mind. Woman from VAT rang again. Spoke again. OK I said, three weeks time but please send me the details in writing. 10 days to go and still nothing in writing and now shes not returning my phonecalls. Could they be more of a PITA?

I hope you left a message on her phone stating without written confirmation you won't be available as you will presume they gave cancelled. If not do so now.

They should have both your trading address and trading email.

[TheFaQQer]

Could they be more of a PITA?

I'm sure the could if they tried. It's a worrying trend.

[psychocandy]

Update on this.

OK so I spoke to Abbey Tax last time and they said, yeh normal Im afraid. Make the appt when you get it in writing, fill out the IPSE forms and send in. We'll deal with and try and get you out of it. Fair play.

Anyway, so it slipped my mind. Woman from VAT rang again. Spoke again. OK I said, three weeks time but please send me the details in writing. 10 days to go and still nothing in writing and now shes not returning my phonecalls. Could they be more of a PITA?

[psychocandy]

We've had a few. Often there will be some VAT reclaims in the first VAT period (pre registration purchases), plus of course may be a handful of >£2k capital purchases. Other things they might want to check (obviously won't apply to all cases):
- are you applying the correct FRS rate?
- if you've got any sales outside scope of VAT, are they accurate (most commonly non UK sales)?
- are they happy all sales are being recorded (may have quick scan of bank statements for any possible big bank receipts not reflecting invoices).

I wouldn't be massively concerned...this isn't them saying they're confident you've done anything wrong, just them wanting to check a few things. More often than not they'll poke around for a bit then leave you be...though quite commonly they will try hard to find _something_ (even if it's tiddly) to pull you up on so they can justify their salary!

Don't think it in any way suggests an IR35 visit is around the corner.

No pre-reg purchases and no £2K+ for me.
Can't see it taking too long then lol.

I assume I can't say no sorry inconvenient then? To be honest, if IPSE+ come good for me then fair enough.

[Maslins]

What exactly will they check anyway? Im flat rate anyway so its not as if they'll check what I've claimed. Surely, it'll just be a case of here are the invoices, yes it all adds up and the figures for your return are correct?

Just wondering though - is this sort of thing a precursor for IR35 in any way? Can't see how the two are connected though.....

We've had a few. Often there will be some VAT reclaims in the first VAT period (pre registration purchases), plus of course may be a handful of >£2k capital purchases. Other things they might want to check (obviously won't apply to all cases):
- are you applying the correct FRS rate?
- if you've got any sales outside scope of VAT, are they accurate (most commonly non UK sales)?
- are they happy all sales are being recorded (may have quick scan of bank statements for any possible big bank receipts not reflecting invoices).

I wouldn't be massively concerned...this isn't them saying they're confident you've done anything wrong, just them wanting to check a few things. More often than not they'll poke around for a bit then leave you be...though quite commonly they will try hard to find _something_ (even if it's tiddly) to pull you up on so they can justify their salary!

Don't think it in any way suggests an IR35 visit is around the corner.

[psychocandy]

That's why as a starter - up to £500 per day business interruption cover if you're an IPSE+ member.

Secondly, if it turns into anything nasty, you want to have had them involved from the start.

Might be a winner then. Day rate covered and VAT guy will probably look through a few invoices for an hour and that'll be it.

What exactly will they check anyway? Im flat rate anyway so its not as if they'll check what I've claimed. Surely, it'll just be a case of here are the invoices, yes it all adds up and the figures for your return are correct?

Just wondering though - is this sort of thing a precursor for IR35 in any way? Can't see how the two are connected though.....

[psychocandy]

Ah ha ipse+ member am I. Flat rate vat so it's all pointless

[TheFaQQer]

Why IPSE and not my accountant?

1) They want to do it at 10am till up to 4pm. So I'll lose a days billing for this.

That's why as a starter - up to £500 per day business interruption cover if you're an IPSE+ member.

Secondly, if it turns into anything nasty, you want to have had them involved from the start.

[SlipTheJab]

Are you on the flat rate VAT with your accountant handling all of the admin, if so one wonders why they are even bothering?

[tractor]

Well, it is genuine. Called HMRC office and verified.
So spoke to lady. Nice enough. Seems I've been picked up randomly.

BUT issues I have:-

1) They want to do it at 10am till up to 4pm. So I'll lose a days billing for this.

2) They're trying to TELL me which week. I've explained that I can't just TELL my client who provides my income that Im not available that day.

Answer: Tough.

Time to speak to IPSE I think. Tossers.

And BTW - they said they'll put it in writing once appointment is agreed.

Better hope the IR35 team wasn't listening in at the time

[psychocandy]

Well, it is genuine. Called HMRC office and verified.
So spoke to lady. Nice enough. Seems I've been picked up randomly.

BUT issues I have:-

1) They want to do it at 10am till up to 4pm. So I'll lose a days billing for this.

2) They're trying to TELL me which week. I've explained that I can't just TELL my client who provides my income that Im not available that day.

Answer: Tough.

Time to speak to IPSE I think. Tossers.

And BTW - they said they'll put it in writing once appointment is agreed.

[tractor]

...

Why IPSE and not my accountant?

Are HMRC scared of your accountant?