Paper Returns on Online Returns?

System
System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
edited 12:08PM in AAT member discussion
I am going to try to get all my Tax Returns done next year online. Does anyone still use paper Returns or am I one of the last?

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    I only started in earnest this year - and dont know why I waited so long - have saved a fortune on post, ink and paper - no getting "lost"; instant confirmation of acceptance/rejection with handy email confirming same - and it appears on their online record within about 2 days.

    I use PTP and the FBI bolt on is only £99 - I must have easily saved that in stationery and post costs (I used to send them all recorded delivery, and for the final week guaranteed next day which was about a fiver).

    Go for it :wink:

    Claudia
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Thanks, will do.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Is the software worthwhile for a small practice? How many clients do you need to justify the cost?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    PTP is incredibly good value for money. The basic S/A tax return is £99 for 25 returns. FBI is the same - so you can do 25 returns for £235.00 = less than a tenner per return.

    You can then bolt on any extras that you want like CT, partnership returns etc etc.

    Claudia
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Great. Thanks Claudia.

    All I need now is 25 clients. Ah well, you have to start somewhere I suppoose. And I'm 20% there, already :lol:

    Thanks again for the info. It gives me a target, now.

    Michael
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    I seriously hope that you are going to charge more than a tenner for a return, otherwise you will put the rest of us out of business :shock:

    Claudia
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Oops! Very valid point. :oops:
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Do I really need the extra software? Sorry to be a bit "thick" in this area, but can't I just use the HMRC online form? :?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    You could, but..

    Your client would have to register with Government Gateway, then set up online filing, then provide you with their password access.

    You would then have to rely on HMRC web service which is considerably more limited than 3rd party software. You would also not have the same array of reports and controls as 3rd party software.

    If you are looking to save costs then I would find a cheaper 3rd party software option rather than use HMRC online, it's not really designed for agents to use on behalf of their clients.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    mmm. I see. Not as simple as I first thought. Which software would you recommend? And how does it work? :?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    PTP - see above - I am pretty certain that there is a demo that you can download to have a look at.

    Claudia
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    I also use PTP. 'Bang for buck' it is very cost effective but there are cheaper options.

    TaxCalc is cheaper and you can buy additional numbers in smaller increments than PTP. Also online filing comes as standard which I think PTP are being a bit cheeky with.

    I used TaxCalc once a few years ago when subbing for another firm and didn't really like it. Still much better than HMRC online though and only costs £24.99 for 6 clients.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    I have downloaded the demonstration - it looks good, but it does seem expensive.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    As a matter of interest, how easy is it to register for SA Agents online? What do you have to do/prove?
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    If I recall correctly, once you have submitted your first 64-8 for a client then HMRC set you up on their system with an agent identifier (e.g. J8377L).

    You then go to the HMRC website and register online with this agent identifier. They will then send a password through the post for you to activate the online service and hey presto you are up and running.

    Each time you submit a subsequent 64-8 you put your agent identifier on it and (theoretically!) your client will be allocated to you and appear on your online database.

    The system started off a little shaky but I recently checked my clients and out of about 70 only 3 were missing - which was a darn site better than I anticipated!
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Thanks for that.

    I have registered, but only for payroll. To register for SA, you have to telephone, so I was wondering what they ask when you phone, so I can be ready.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Hmm, I don't recall telephoning. Maybe the procedure has changed since I registered.

    I'm sure it will be a simple call. You don't need any qualification or justification to be an agent. Perhaps they are checking you are a real person rather than an internet 'bot'.
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Good point. Thanks
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Hi

    I filed about 35 personal tax returns last year all using HMRC's own software. I agree that it's not ideal, but it's not quite as bad as dean's made out!

    Once you're set up (which was it's own little nightmare for me I seem to remember!) you can then add client's to your list one of 2 ways:-
    - firstly by submitting a paper 64-8. The problem with this is that it can take ages to see your client online and often they add the details to your government gateway list but not to the HMRC list which is very annoying. If it's a new client without a UTR then it's your only option though.

    - Secondly you can use the new 'online authorisation' method. You enter client details (UTR, NI Number, postcode etc) and then if HMRC can trace the client from that they post out a code to the client. client then rings you with the code, you enter it and it's all done. I've found this works quite well most of the time, but some client's it can't trace despite the info being accurate. The point is that the client doesn't need to register themselves - they don't even need a computer!

    Once you're set up & clients are added you can start preparing tax returns & if you don't finish it saves them for you, so you can return to it later. It's not ALL bad really!

    Hope this clarifys it a bit for you

    Jodie
  • System
    System Posts: 100,534 🤖 Admin 🤖
    Re:Paper Returns on Online Returns?

    Thanks for that. I may well try that first - it would save money and I have a similar amount of Returns to submit.

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