Overpaid invoice

[psychocandy]

I'm sorta with DA on this one. If hes happy that client has been told and they've done nothing then sod them.

Different but I had it with permie job once. Overpaid me £1000 one month. I told payroll and they said it'd be sorted next month - it wasn't. Reminded them - same again next month. Same next month....

So I gave up and kept the money....

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

The overpayment would be reflected in the clients' accounts and should have been picked up and questioned during their either internal or external audit - if it hasn't been by now then I would suggest they are unlikely to claim a refund.

[DodgyAgent]

So here is the ethical dilemma: does DodgyAgent tell his boss?

My question is nothing to do with ethics it is part of a fraud investigation involving one of my staff several years ago. If you want to have an "ethics" conversation then go to General

PS I am the boss so get on with some work

[Wanderer]

But was the overpayment hidden in amongst a lot of outstanding items and therefore easy to overlook

So here is the ethical dilemma: does DodgyAgent tell his boss?

[tractor]

several statements

But was the overpayment hidden in amongst a lot of outstanding items and therefore easy to overlook

[DodgyAgent]

How much effort have you put in to advising the client of the over payment? A single mail that might have gone to the wrong person or persistent attempts until the client acknowledges the situation?

several statements

[northernladuk]

How much effort have you put in to advising the client of the over payment? A single mail that might have gone to the wrong person or persistent attempts until the client acknowledges the situation?

[DodgyAgent]

After 6 or 7 years, it's unlikely they would, but if they do and you've declared it as additional income already then just write it back resulting in a reduction of your business tax.

Oh, and ask them who their accountant is because they should have spotted and advised your client that they've overpaid £5k to their supplier after the first year of the accounts, or second year of the accounts, or third year of the accounts....you get the picture!

You are a star what are the chances of them ever picking it up? They are a very large global company

Thank you.

[Craig@Clarity]

After 6 or 7 years, it's unlikely they would, but if they do and you've declared it as additional income already then just write it back resulting in a reduction of your business tax.

Oh, and ask them who their accountant is because they should have spotted and advised your client that they've overpaid £5k to their supplier after the first year of the accounts, or second year of the accounts, or third year of the accounts....you get the picture!

[DodgyAgent]

Back in my auditing days, we use to advise client to advise their customers that they have been overpaid and ask if they want paying back and then just sit on the cash. If they are chosen to be ignored, it's deemed as additional sales/turnover.

Thank you for that

What if the client asks for it back in a couple of years time?

[Craig@Clarity]

Back in my auditing days, we use to advise client to advise their customers that they have been overpaid and ask if they want paying back and then just sit on the cash. If they are chosen to be ignored, it's deemed as additional sales/turnover.

[DodgyAgent]

We have an account that carries an overpayment by a client of £5000. It has been there for 4 years. My accountant says we should leave it because after 7 years we can keep it. Is this true?