The Positive Accountant Vol 1 Ed 31
Another day in lockdown...I was thinking earlier today where, exactly would we be had this happened a generation ago.
The worldwide web, the backbone for everything we're now doing is less than thirty years old.
And as for telecoms - the first iPhone available in this country was only just over ten years ago.
There's a sobering thought. Lockdown without FaceTime. Social distancing without Zoom. Furlough without Netflix. Running a business without Online Banking. Politics without Trump's tweets. Ah...yes maybe the simpler age does have an attraction....
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What are my positives today:-:
1. Furlough money is being received
The first of the furlough claims have been processed by HMRC, and some people are seeing money arrive in their accounts.
Remember that the system works on a 'pay now, check later' basis so it is important that you keep records of how you got to the calculations in case of future inspection.
2. It rained today
It seems odd writing that as an unusual positive in the UK in April.
Like most people I've loved the sunny weather but the ground in April showing more crack than a dinner party of London journalists is not a good thing....
3. Zoom meetings seem to be the new normal
I'm of an age that I've never attended a client meeting where smoking took place. But one of the positive side effects of our new world is that those who want to indulge, can do so freely and without affecting anyone else.
I had one such meeting today, where at the end the attendee - over 80 years old incidentally - confessed that every time I came to bad news in the accounts I was taking him through (tax charge, accountancy fee, etc) he took a deep inhalation of his pipe.
The accounts were pretty good. I am worried though that in the case of some of those that I'm going to be completing soon, it might need to be something stronger than tobacco being smoked...
And what am I talking to clients about ?
Holiday Pay - It needs to be remembered that when furloughing staff they continue to accrue holiday pay (at full rate of pay). And it is now an employment right that unused holiday can be carried forward - for up to two years.
The cost of this is beginning to be realised, in employee-heavy businesses there is a large liability building up.
Companies House Filing Dates- Anyone worried about filing deadlines with Companies House can get a three month extension - but ithas to be applied for. Companies House has made it a really easy process, I've done it for one client and it was a couple of mouse clicks to get it.
My view is don't do it for the sake of it, but if there are genuine pressures on getting the accounts done, take advantage on the facility.
Until tomorrow
Adrian
07917 338342
"But Buster, it's raining !"
"I don't care, still want a walk"