The Positive Accountant - Vol 4 Ed 2
Updated: Aug 5
We've been through a lot in the last 18 months, much of it feels frankly surreal.
So wasn't it great therefore to see that trend continue with Boris' speech this week.
Just think, in years to come students of history will be able to compare and contrast Prime Ministers by what they have said. Here's a little brainteaser for you all - name the five Prime Ministers who said the following:-
'We will fight them on the beaches'
'You turn if you like, the lady's not for turning'
'Education, Education, Education'
'We can't keep banging on about Europe'
and, um...
'Peppa Pig World is very much my kind of place'
If that hasn't got you chuckling, then we ought to ask What is there to be positive about ?
Daisy Duck is published. Good friend and client, Melanie, has reason to celebrate this week. For about as long as I've known her there has been the promise of a book being written - and 'Daisy Finds Her Smile' has just hit the bookstands (for which read Amazon).
Aimed at the children's market (mind you, so was Harry Potter) it's a story with a moral and an anti-bullying stance (mind you, so was Harry Potter). Orders can be placed on Amazon, or downloadable for Kindle, search 'Daisy Finds her Smile'
My house keys still work. How would you feel if you arrived home after a few days away, put your keys in the lock to find that they don't work. You'd probably blame the journey, think you've got the wrong key and fumble for the right one.
But how about when you then see someone through your living room windows, decorating the walls.
You might decide to challenge the person...only to find that they have bought the house from you but, oddly, you didn't realise it. More to the point, you didn't receive any money...
Intrigued ? So was I, see
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-59069662
Now, I've written quite a bit on the subject of fraud, but I found this one more shocking than most. Whilst by no means common, it happens often enough for the gov.uk website to publish guidance on their website - definitely worth a read and probably some action, see
https://www.gov.uk/protect-land-property-from-fraud
Christmas is coming - and the excruciating experience that I'm sure we've all experienced - the work Christmas meal - will be upon us soon.
Or not.
Many employers are following on from last year and rather than paying for a meal with the attendant risks are thinking of giving a voucher, a hamper, a bottle of wine, or maybe even a turkey. Possibly a cash bonus might be being considered.
But remember, Scrooge wasn't really an accountant, he was at heart a tax Inspector. And whilst in most circumstances an employer can pay for a modest Christmas dinner/party with no tax consequences, gifts such as discussed above will give rise to a taxable benefit in kind...
And here's a little known fact - if an employee receives a gift of, say, a bottle of wine from a supplier or customer, tax law says that it needs reporting and taxing at the end of the tax year.
Hmm, there's a thought.
Talking of Christmas, we've already started buying a few things.
I was sent shopping to get a stock of some soft drinks. The list specifically said get six cans of Sprite.
I was in quite serious trouble when I got home and found I'd picked 7 up.
On that note, stay safe and stay positive.
Adrian