What should I be asking potential accountants

[WTFH]

Ask accountant:
1. Have you ever used an accounting internet forum to get answers about how contractors work?
2. No, really?

[mudskipper]

You can simply use " s/he",and "they" as it saves typing. Though younger people won't agree with the "s/he" as it only recognises 2 genders.

<offtopic>Back in 1858, a gender neutral pronoun, thon, was proposed. Mx as a gender neutral title is just starting to gain currency.</offtopic>

Edit: Blimey, there's loads of 'em. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appen...utral_pronouns

[SueEllen]

Edit: Blimey, there's loads of 'em. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Appen...utral_pronouns

Yeah I know.

[WordIsBond]

You can simply use " s/he",and "they" as it saves typing. Though younger people won't agree with the "s/he" as it only recognises 2 genders.

I'm older, and still use "it" for gender neutral. So the obvious thing to type would be "s/h/..", but being an older person, I don't like to trigger the profanity-checker. Though with some accountants I've met, that might be on-topic. Question to ask prospective accountants -- "Do you go by she, he, or ....?"

I probably need to go look at other threads before I get in trouble with the mods in this one.

[kaiser78]

Then you are just weird.

I just sit there and cross check the email my accountant sends me.

Very unusual, I doubt if even 1% meet their accountant each year.

It's a personal preference thing I know and not necessarily weird. I just like to go through my accounts line by line so I can question and fully understand face to face, rather than have to go through something sent over via email without any context or understanding.

[midlandscontractor]

Thank you all!

Thanks for all the replies, I've got a good list of questions to answer and from reading the list I realise I will need the account to explain a lot it. So if I understand better after a chat they're probably the right accountant for me.

And no I don't have a wife or husband but do have partner but I didn't think he could be a shareholder in my company as he is a permanent PAYE employee of another company.

So far I've had good communication with inTouch, SJD and Accountsnet - but only their 'sales' team on the phone. Have arranged for discussions with their accountants and will take it from there. Another company that looked good to me from their website was paperrocket - I've read the thread where they're mentioned but didn't read any personal recommendations - anyone using them??

Thanks again everyone!

[Louisa@InTouch]

Yes, arrange a call with your personal accountant and it will give you a good feel in terms of your relationship going forward.

You can ask them some technical questions too, to make sure you start off on the right foot

[midlandscontractor]

Interesting conversations with Accountants- NLUK what do you think?

Following advise given here I have spoken to a few accountants and discussed services and what's included in monthly charge etc. One conversation stands out from Gorilla accounting who advised I should accept an opt out contract as it would keep me outside of IR35. From what I've read on this forum to me opting out has nothing to do wit IR35.

NorthenLad - you mentioned being with Gorilla, what's your view? I thought from reading the long opt/in thread you were a strong advocate of opting out. Any advise here?

Thanks

[northernladuk]

Following advise given here I have spoken to a few accountants and discussed services and what's included in monthly charge etc. One conversation stands out from Gorilla accounting who advised I should accept an opt out contract as it would keep me outside of IR35. From what I've read on this forum to me opting out has nothing to do wit IR35.

NorthenLad - you mentioned being with Gorilla, what's your view? I thought from reading the long opt/in thread you were a strong advocate of opting out. Any advise here?

Thanks

My opinion is Gorilla do my accounts (very well) and the rest of running my business is down to me to research and understand, particularly my IR35 status. Everyone around us will offer advice, help and guidance but so much of it is down to individual interpretation. I'd go to an IR35 specialist for the answer to this. If they made a comment on my accounts I'd take it on board but go back and ask my accountant....If that makes sense.

It's arguable opting out of regs makes you look like a business but the detail and effect on IR35 may indicate it's not really an issue but no one really knows until it's tested.

I'd have to read that thread again to see what I said. I'm more interested in securing the gig and not rocking the boat over my opt in/out status. Maybe I'm being to blasé about it though.

P.S... Advice not advise


EDIT : Here is an example of why it's all about interpretation. The specialists inc QDOS tend to use woolly words like 'May' or 'could' cause a problem. You can see why on the face of it but the detail opens it to interpretation. Roger even goes as far as to offer his belief rather than the word of law which is interesting.

http://www.contractoruk.com/agencies...pt-out.html_0/

3 IR35: There was much discussion in the course of the battle over whether or not the inclusion of limited company contractors within the regulations would be an IR35 negative; if it is an IR35 negative, then in my view it will be a very minor one, but I myself believe that operating within or without the regulations will be an IR35 neutral point. Indeed, I would say the taking of a decision to avail oneself of the commercial protection of the regulations and not opt out could be argued to be an IR35 positive, since it is exercising sound management principles to take a commercial decision in the best interests of the business, for reasons other than tax.

[midlandscontractor]

Thanks for the reply NLUK - I'm of the same opinion don't really see it as big issue opting in/out as I'm going to be paid weekly (minimum risk there), don't have plans to go permit with the client and also know the client doesn't hire contractors directly.

P.S...I know, blame it on auto correct on the phone!