I have recently closed off an agreement with a company but up to now did their payroll for them, by law does anyone know if you have to pass on P11 information part way through the year? As I wont be paid for any further time spent on them and to date they have all payroll records including all payslips. I have always used payslip information to date to start up a new payroll mid year. Any advice welcomed. Thanks
most accountants have to pass on records but it really depends who your governing body (if any) is. I would say as a bookkeeper you probably have a lien on your workings but to be honest unless this client has really annoyed you I would personally give them whatever they request. If it takes time to compile then a reasonable fee could be charged.
Not knowing the specific details, I'd suggest it's ethical to hand over the payroll info unless the client still owes you money.
I'm not a lawyer but does one automatically have a right of lien if your terms and conditions don't explicitly mention it?
If I was the client and I didn't owe you any money, I'd be arguing I'd paid you to complete the payroll on my behalf and the p11 info is my property not yours.
edit: reading my post back, it sounds a bit blunt, which isn't how I mean it.
-- Edited by ADAS on Wednesday 20th of October 2010 11:11:40 AM
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Tony
Responses are intended as outline only. Formal advice should be sort from your Institutes Technical Department or a suitably qualified Accountant.
I agree. It doesn't look good to withhold records for no reason. If they owe you money then hold on to the paperwork until you get paid. If they don't then you really should print it all off/turn into Pdfs and hand over properly.
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Jenny
Responses are my opinion based on the information provided. All information should be thoroughly checked before being relied on.
Hi Tony, Thanks for your advice, which with this one is most needed. They have all payroll information but the new book keeper didnt want to use my software as she didnt understand it, when I took over their payroll i had no information whatsover and had to produce a payroll based on bank information only, this time they have everything but I have not yet produced all the P11's in electronic format as this was something I did at year end. My argument is that the new person responsible should be able to decide what payroll he/she wants to use then add the balances to date to new payslips. I have already lost over £400 in uncharged hours to this company and purely just want to get them off my back now and move on. Thanks Karen
It seems from the extra info, that the client owes you money. So I'd say until you sort this out, if it's at all possible, you're not under any obligations to help the former client any further.
Based on the assumption that you'd agreed a fee for your service which you have performed, then, in my opinion, the clients obligation to pay you comes first.
-- Edited by ADAS on Wednesday 20th of October 2010 11:54:02 AM
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Tony
Responses are intended as outline only. Formal advice should be sort from your Institutes Technical Department or a suitably qualified Accountant.
I really appreciate your advice as I know we are all so busy in these times. I think to make life easier I'll produce the pdf formats of P11's which I am hoping should not take me more than an hour for 15 staff as they have not been paid since my termination 3 weeks ago (weekly paid). I know this really should not be my problem but I still have staff contacting me direct for information which is a bit annoying. If I can help you with anything at anytime just let me know.
I would not waste time on this one - if they ask for something, then give it to them but don't make more work for yourself. If its in back up format, give them that, don't start printing stuff off to make their life easier.
Be professional, yes, but not a walk over. It sounds like they have chosen not to use you, so walk away.
Also I would not divulge any info to the staff contacting you, just inform them that you can no longer help them - you should only have to say it once.
My sentiments exactly - you are right on my wavelength. I turned this company around whilst I was there and saved them from bankrupsy but they refused to adhere to budgets which is causing them adverse financial problems - my reason for not renewing the contract. Any time wasted on this one is more money lost - only one direction to move on this one. Thanks so much for the advice. Karen
