What HMRC is likely to ask
There’s a pretty standard set of questions that the inspector will ask at interview. These are mostly designed to undermine the records you’ve kept and so allow them to make a demand for tax on missing income/profits or over-claimed expenses. So how should you prepare for such an interview?
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Accounting for VAT if there is no cash payment
Your business has submitted repayment returns for the last two quarters and you are concerned that you might have underpaid output tax on some supplies where no money has changed hands. Are your concerns justified?
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Treatment of distributions under review
The government has launched a consultation on modernising the tax treatment of distributions and repayments of capital by companies. The proposals could affect the distinction between dividends taxed as income and capital payments subject to CGT. What changes are being considered?
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Tax relief on equipment you haven’t paid for (yet)
The timing of tax relief for purchases of equipment isn’t straightforward when payments are delayed or goods are purchased through hire purchase (HP) agreements. How can you use these rules to your advantage and get tax relief before you’ve paid the final invoice?
Guidelines
If you attend an interview, the inspector should start by explaining that they will ask questions and take notes on your answers. It’s best to answer all questions truthfully but not to elaborate. If the inspector wants the detail they can ask. Use our guide to What HMRC is Likely to Ask to help prepare for your interview.
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