Ive had my tax return - yet accountant must of guessed my expenses???

evosy1978

The accountant I use knows how much ive earnt and tax paid but never asked for any receipts during the year???

If the tax man decided to get in touch to check my expenses who would he contact me or my accountant...?

How can the accountant do my tax return if he doesnt know how much Ive spent on expenses?. Were not talking big sums.. I earnt around £25000 so paid around £5000 in tax, he managed to get my a tax rebate, but he must of guessed my expenses??

Any thoughts or advice.

chrismac1

Unless you supplied either bank statements, invoices, or a spreadhseet showing your expenses then, yes, he must have guessed them. if he did, is he qualified? Because no qualified accountant should be submitting tax returns based on guessed expenses - UNLESS he specifically ticked the box on the return, or made a separate note, stating which parts were estimates. I think you should ask the question of him directly because if this return has not been done properly it is YOUR responsibility primarily and not his. this is even more the case if he is not qualified and / or has no PII cover.

Tebheag

Where you not shown the tax return before it was filed as you are meant to sign to say you agree. Was there no paper work given to the accountant as they normally ask for all expenses as well as income !

chrismac1

On reflection, I'd go so far as to say that if what you say is true this guy has no right to have his bill paid. Did you get an engagement letter? If so, it will clearly specify his responsibilities and he'll be in breach of at least 3 of them - at least I would be if it were one of mine.

SeniorSam

If you are unable to justify the expenses with receipts, then you may be in serious trouble for signing a declaration on which expenses were shown. Get something in writing from your accountant

Sam

Pennywise

Just a thought. Have any expenses claims actually been made on the tax return? Does the accountant know that you have any valid claims to make? It may be that either the accountant didn't know (because you didn't give him the info) or that your circumstances don't allow for claiming the expenses anyway. I think you need to give a bit more clarification as to your circumstances before we make judgments as to how good/bad is your accountant. Are your self employed or employed? Exactly what expenses has the accountant claimed (if any) and what expenses do you actually have that you wish to claim for.

Any

Another thought.... why would you not supply your accountant with any relevant receipts and paperwork???
What exactly are you expecting him to do? I wonder whether there were any expenses claimed and whether he disclosed these are estimates.
I personally would not have client like this, I would just tell you to do it yourself as I am not bearing responsibility for your lack of interest in your affairs.