Another bookkeeper has asked me to help her with filing a CT return for one of her clients as she is not able to do so due to the restrictions of her practising certificate. What are the MLR implications on carrying out this work for someone else as a subcontractor, i.e. not working directly for the client. Should I carry out my own MLR on the client, request a copy of the MLR from the bookkeeper, just ask them to confirm they have carried out MLR or carry out MLR on the bookkeeper (I'm trying to think of all the possible options!). I'm concerned about getting the balance right between going over the top with red tape and making sure I do enough to be compliant.
Also, would you do a Letter of Engagement for the bookkeeper or just have an agreement in place?
I've done plenty of work with clients and have also carried out work that has been passed to me by other accountants / bookkeepers but I have always been working for the client so have always followed the same procesdures of carrying out my own MLR and having a LOE with the client directly.
Many thanks
Alys
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Alys
Alys Stuart, Stuart Nicholls Accountancy Services, Preston, Lancashire.
Which professional body is the bookkeeper practicing under?
Does the actual client know of your existence or do they assume that everything is being handled by the bookkeeper?
Have you seen the bookkeepers due dilligence on the client?
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Im in the same situation so checked with the IAB. They said I need to have confirmation in writing from the other bookkeeper that they have done the DD and that I am relying on it. You then need to keep confrimation of this on your MLR file.
Obviously if you can do your own checks that's fine but it is not always practical but also if the other bookkeeper is sub contracting and doesn't want the client to know you won't be able to do your own checks.
