Tax Software

kilted_2

Hi, I have finhed my tax return for 2010 -2011 I now live aborad and want to do next years with some software. can anybody advsie on a good (and not expensive) piece of software

i know there are loads to choose from but would like some feedback on them

Thanks

Davesnave

I've searched and there doesn't seem to be a lot of advice on this forum regarding the software. Indeed, it's a pretty grey area over the entire Internet. One sees the odd rant, but those of us used to reading reviews know that a decent sample is required.

I've just paid for the Andica partnership package. Three hours later, I'm still waiting for the activation code from them.

I'll let you know how I get on, but I wouldn't expect my experience to be much use on its own.

chrismac1

I did a lot of research on this in autumn 2009 - admittedly on the basis of doing tax returns as an accountant and not as a DIY tax return customer. Taxcalc came out on top then, I bought it and have had no regrets.

What I can say for sure - having done some 07-08 and 08-09 returns on the HMRC site because my Taxcalc does not go back that far - is that if Taxcalc is say 9 out of 10 then HMRC is about a 3:

1. Speed.
2. Submission reliability - less of a concern to a one-off user, I do 200 or so returns of all descriptions per year so it would be easy to forget to get a PDF of the odd submitted return, Sod's law says that's one of the ones HMRC then go on to delete and fine the client for.
3. Screen design - layouts much easier to understand.
4. End calculations and summaries - only of use if you have complex affairs, but very very useful if you do!
5. Software reliability - VAT submissions are not done by Taxcalc and I hate doing them because it means using HMRC software and the inevitable "Our software cannot accept submission at this time, please try later" message - even at 0700 or 0800 GMT before everyone else gets up to clog the system.

prudentperson

Hi, if your return is too complicated for the free HMRC online software, then I've found a very good and cost effective option is Quality Management Software's SA2000. It's on the HMRC website approved list - search sa_efiling. It's an Excel spreadsheet which you download for free. You only pay (for a password special code) when you're ready to submit the return to HMRC. Benefits are that it only costs £11.99, and if you hit any problems their phone and email response is really fast. Last night, I was ammending my 2009/10 return but had misplaced the special code -not suprising as the original submission was a year ago! I emailed them at 6pm Sunday and had a reply, with the code by 10pm. A small company I think, but terrific service! John

Davesnave

I found the Andica software OK for my simple purposes, but the Government Gateway stuff has driven me around the twist.

I originally signed up for Government Gateway ages ago, but trying to use that number got me nowhere, so against my better judgement, I signed up again specifically to do tax.(Wonder what the original number was for then?) I also did the same for my wife.

We've been able to file our tax forms online OK, but our partnership form is going nowhere. I can't get through to HMRC from home, and when I did, on their own office line a week ago, they didn't understand my question & have sent me my own UTR.

I've fouled-up somewhere, I'm sure, but it isn't worth worrying about, so I'll wait till after the deadline and get on with my life.

Incidentally, for anyone who buys Andica software, the activation code comes from a different address from the one you send the serial code to. My computer, having only info@andica in the contacts list, sent their activation code straight into the spam bin.

Davesnave

Davesnave wrote: »

I've fouled-up somewhere, I'm sure, but it isn't worth worrying about, so I'll wait till after the deadline and get on with my life.

Don't often quote myself, but I was wrong. Got through from home today and discovered HMRC were at fault.