Craig (not his real name) started his own business 18 months ago.
I did his tax return last year, getting him a tax refund which paid my fees and paid for his holiday.
A year later he got a job with his uncle and was embarrassed to tell me his uncle’s accountant would now do his tax return.
‘ Is he qualified and will he save you tax? ‘ I asked Craig.
‘ Yes he’s sound, he’s passed all those exams ‘ he assured me whilst also telling me the cost would be cheaper.
I wished him all the best.
Yesterday Craig called me practically hyperventilating.
‘That accountant forgot to do my tax return until I reminded him, and now he’s telling me my tax bill is £1,500. He’s not qualified either, he just calls himself an accountant. Help me, help me please’.
I calmed him down, got some info, tapped my calculator a few times, and told him his tax bill would be about £180.
Craig is coming back to me. He can afford a holiday again – when allowed
Cheap isn’t cheerful, especially where tax bills, and ‘ pretend’ accountants are concerned.
Have you had a bad experience by going for low cost?