As a small bookkeeper I only process the VAT for 3 clients. They all file their own VAT Returns. I calculate, they check it and submit it.
With MTD looming, I have VT Transaction+, if I was to offer to file the returns for them, my understanding is that I would need an Agent Service Account via HMRC. I've come to register today and its asking for my Self Assessment Agent reference, which I don't have, as I don't do their tax returns etc. So instead I put my VAT Agent reference. This was accepted, but then asks to include the details of one client so they can vouch the information. I don't currently have any clients registered to me, as they do their own VAT. Without this I can't open an ASA.
Anyone else have trouble? Not too sure where I go from here.
I see it that the customer will have to arrange the bridging software (so I can send the spreadsheet to them from the MTD exported figures) Or I use their personal login details on my system? Get them to approve it first.
-- Edited by morgwick on Wednesday 20th of March 2019 04:11:43 PM
You say they submit it - therefore you wouldnt need an ASA (I think)
Then you say they have to arrange their own bridging software, but that you have VTT+
Ignore the above, lets see if I can clarify (covers info for others with existing VAT agent)...
If you submit then you need to access bridging software from their software. Or you do it all on VT and that is your bridging software so you submit via VT. You can of course charge the client for use of such.
Never use a clients own login.
You set up an ASA.
You will not be able to see any clients on your ASA (standard fare for everyone!! Naff system!) You will eventually get the information for your clients within MTD from your MTD compliant software
I wouldnt do ANY sign up of clients until at least mid May, otherwise you are stuck in the pilot and the problems are still being ironed out (or frankly just left as problems) on an hourly basis. Plus you need to watch your timing on the basis of when direct debits are being taken as this is causing issues.
Kind of watch this space....ie keep your head buried firmly in the sand for now.
Re the client vouching bit - you will need to contact HMRC direct. You may need your MLR details.
__________________
Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Correct, I dont currently file for my VAT customers. So although I registered for a VAT Agent ref years ago, in case I needed it, I don't actually use it at the current time.
So, thinking ahead, my clients may now prefer me to file for them to save them the burdon of finding briding software. As VTT+ would be geared up for it, I thought I would register for the ASA so it was set up ready, but doing this online is saying it is not possible because I don't have a self assessment agent reference or any clients linked to me. So how do you set one up in preparation for the event?
One of my clients files monthly VAT, so I have just been informed my VT themselves that they will not have the bridging software ready until July, and we will have to find alternative bridging software in the meantime, which is causing yet more headache.
Know of any other repuatable free briding software?
First of all you're going to need to become an agent to your clients, so that will need a 64-8 for each. You can do that online in your agent account, the client will receive a code, which you then enter in to your agent gateway. Once thats done you can then set your ASA up, and move each client over.
__________________
John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
I've been sunning myself in Doncaster all week Joanne!! Just got back an hour ago.
Avalara and Neil James Technology are both bridging software but the Avalara one, which is free, isn't ready yet. NJT is, and is (from memory) £36 a year + VAT. or there's an agent one at £40 + VAt a year for 10 clients.
If Gill is using VTT+ then she would have to upgrade to VT accounts which is £150 + VAT a year, so it may be as well to do it all in her current version of VTT+ and use NJT to submit the VAT returns using the NJT VTT+ transfer, especially as her first return is on or before 7th June.
__________________
John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
Yes I'm think I may try to avoid becoming the agent due to the extra costs (although I would probably pass this on to my clients).
I am having a play with a couple of free ones, one I've found is an Excel plugin. I'm thinking because VTT+ can export the figures, this may be a simple option for my client. It's called VitalTax. Seems straight forward, just want to check out reviews etc first.
I'm sure VT's briding software would work fine, but given they are not going to be ready in time its thrown a spanner in the works.
