Reply to: Expenses via PSC

[northernladuk]

Not every contractor writes software for the web..

I'd argue it's actually a fairly low percentage so cannon is a bit of the mark here. He's not making a very good catchall argument... which is the problem with catchall arguments.

[SueEllen]

Don't have to be a mobile developer. Just have to write software for web. All websites must work on mobile devices nowadays.

Not every contractor writes software for the web.

And even if they do they don't necessarily do stuff that is directly related to the user interface.

[cannon999]

Nope a very limited proportion of IT contractors could use that justification (most people here aren't mobile developers) and even then they would need to demonstrate a need for it.

Don't have to be a mobile developer. Just have to write software for web. All websites must work on mobile devices nowadays.

[eek]

I am just explaining how pretty much any IT contractor can very easily explain a purchase of a mobile device.

Nope a very limited proportion of IT contractors could use that justification (most people here aren't mobile developers) and even then they would need to demonstrate a need for it.

[cannon999]

Well the only person talking about app development is you - everyone else was talking about a mobile phone for using it to take phone calls.

I am just explaining how pretty much any IT contractor can very easily explain a purchase of a mobile device.

[eek]

As many as required?

Sorry, but you clearly have no idea what you are talking about. Any large firm that wants to properly support all devices WILL NOT use simulators because they are just that - simulators. They are fine for development but are not suitable for testing the end product. And yes - they will have every type of device available for the testing team, sometimes going back 5-6 years. I have had plenty of experiences where something would work on a simulator but not on the actual device (yes I am talking about browserstack) and the other way round. And also had a lot of joy debugging issues that occured on some random version of IOS however if the marketing team sees that there are sales going through with that device then software must work for that device.

Well the only person talking about app development is you - everyone else was talking about a mobile phone for using it to take phone calls.

[cannon999]

So exactly how many different android phones are you going to buy?

Even large firms use simulators as they can't manage to test all the variations.

As many as required?

Sorry, but you clearly have no idea what you are talking about. Any large firm that wants to properly support all devices WILL NOT use simulators because they are just that - simulators. They are fine for development but are not suitable for testing the end product. And yes - they will have every type of device available for the testing team, sometimes going back 5-6 years. I have had plenty of experiences where something would work on a simulator but not on the actual device (yes I am talking about browserstack) and the other way round. And also had a lot of joy debugging issues that occured on some random version of IOS however if the marketing team sees that there are sales going through with that device then software must work for that device.

[jayn200]

So exactly how many different android phones are you going to buy?

Even large firms use simulators as they can't manage to test all the variations.

It's been 5+ years since I have developed for it but I remember writing software for iPad and the simulator sucked. Would have issues on iPad that didn't occur on the simulator. Performance was not the same.

[eek]

What do you mean, they provide a test environment? If I am developing software for a mobile device - I have to make sure it works on actual devices. Simulators are NOT the same (although these can also be used for testing).

So exactly how many different android phones are you going to buy?

Even large firms use simulators as they can't manage to test all the variations.

[cannon999]

Be careful with this though.
If you only develop for clients and they provide the test environment you’ve lost your justification.
It’s one reason I always use my business devices for proof of concept testing.

Note: a PS5 could be considered taking the PS unless you’re actually developing for one.

What do you mean, they provide a test environment? If I am developing software for a mobile device - I have to make sure it works on actual devices. Simulators are NOT the same (although these can also be used for testing).

[oilboil]

Imagine if HMRC actually scanned every expense of every LTD company and started asking questions.

They can, they just don't (as it would cost too much)

[oilboil]

Well he shouldn't really let you put it through. The company name means nothing as it's a personal tarif. I also think a new phone every year is taking the piss.

So I think he's wrong doing what he's doing and he's wrong advising this.. I'd be looking out for a new accountant if I were you.

It's perfectly OK to provide a director with the kit to make phone calls for their business. They can opt to put whatever SIM in that phone they want, they can only reclaim the cost of the airtime though if the tariff is a business one.

For instance there are three of us in the company, the company provides us all with a mobile handset. We provide our own SIM airtime contract because the contracts we can get personally all are less than the personal use charge we woudl otherwise incur. So long as the phone is still used for business purposes this is all perfectly fine.

A new phone every year (unless you can show the old one is actually broken and so was a replacement not an upgrade) is taking the P; almost every true company doing handset replacements works on a three year rolling upgrade plan

[fullyautomatix]

Imagine if HMRC actually scanned every expense of every LTD company and started asking questions.

[northernladuk]

You will be saying I can’t expense my 2 seasons tickets at Arsenal next !!

Right next to the BT, virgin, sky corporate boxes

I don't think the rules apply to worthless items that no one else wants does it?

[northernladuk]

Past 2 clients have had numerous PS4/Xbox pool tables, even a free bar in breakout areas

One rule for big co’s ?

Doesn't mean they claimed the tax back on them.