So I have done a little cold calling to some very small clients and have managed to secure myself a self assessment for a mobile beautician. I know compared to some of you this probably seems silly to get nervous about but this is my first client who may be happy to recommend me to friends/colleagues so I am wanting to get everything right. She seems very organised and will be passing her accounts to me next week for 2013-2014 self assessment. She is travelling next week to India and will not be back until May so will not have anymore income to account for. She likes to have her returns dome asap so she has more time to pay it which sounds very organised! So I know I need to have an engagement letter ready which is fine, I will be meeting her away from home, possibly in a local coffee shop so how will I go about the AML checks?!! Anything I need to look out for with regards to her accounts? She has kept a record of everything on an excel file so just needs sorting through and compiling the self assessment? Do I need to ask her to bring any info from last years accounts?
You will probably want to ask her previous accountant for professional clearance, and whilst it is unlikely there may be some written down tax values carried down on some curlers (i dont know much about hair dressing other than my wife gets charged a load so there must be some money flying around somewhere) so you will need to ask for last years accounts, last years tax comp and last years return. She may have losses brought forward you dont want to lose.
Also i wouldnt assume she has done for this tax year until 05/04/14, it is not unlike clients to tell you this, then say "O i forgot to mention i own 30 flats which i rent out as well, do these need to go on the return?"
Finally when meeting a potnetial new client remember you are also going to see if you want to take them on, although this one sounds like a good one.
Good luck
Nick
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Nick
Nick Craggs FMAAT ACA AAT Distance Learning Manager
