Accountants and being accountable...

Ok so over the last 24 months I've had some awful dealings with these characters, which has left me having weekly battles with HMRC / Inland Revenue. Finally everyone got paid what was due and I incurred a few financial penalties along the way (appealed some, paid some)
My latest accountant originally asked for half the payment upfront before he started which I paid, he produced a non numerical invoice (although they all seem to want me to produce numerical invoices) with the shown deposit and the balance due figures shown. Once he had completed the accounts, I paid him the balance, but no invoice was produced for this. Assuming that he is also VAT registered, no VAT registration number was visible on the partial invoice he has given me. I have asked him to give me a full written invoice for all the money that has been paid to him, which he seems somewhat reluctant to give. I can't think of any good reason why though, unless he is up to no good himself... What would be your thoughts?

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Plumbers in London | London Plumbers Blog | Heating Installers London

I would have assumed he is VAT registered, being an accountant, unless its a hobby business or sideline?

If he is, then all of his documentation should show registered address, company number and VAT number. Invoices should certainly be VAT invoices.

All sounds very fly by night? Is he a back bedroom operation?

I tend to go in and have a meeting with the potential accountant at their office where you can get a good feel for things, as normally you tend to stick with the same one year after year if you are happy with their services. Only had to replace our accountants once so far in 6 years, touch wood!

Our current ones are pretty good, and we have a monthly visit to double check our figures and sort any issues. In my simple mind, accountancy is just a background admin task, best delegated, so I don't have to worry about it. Prob not the cheapest, but the time saved means I can concentrate on waffling on forums or even working

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Is he a qualified accountant? if yes just ring him and tell him to sort out invoice if not i am reporting to your regulatory body?

He should provide you with an invoice whether he is VAT registered or not.

Tell me did this accountant provide you with a letter of engagement?

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Chartered Accountants In Essex
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Barney we hoped that your accountant problems were behind you.

Think we already included the links below in another thread of yours

Accountancy News | Business Accountancy News

Accountancy News | Business Accountancy News

Can't exactly give you an answer without knowing everything but it could be that this accountant is trying to save some money by not invoicing you.

If he refuses to issue an invoice, you should probably report to HMRC.

Hmmm, thanks for the replies, well after 10days waiting he has finally replied and this is it "With regards to our Invoice for £2,000, I have given you the original copy which state Our fee £2,000 less paid £1,000 and balance due £1.000 which is duly paid now".
My point is, he has given me no receipt to say that I have paid the total sum of £2000 just one for £1000 plus the £1000 owed which has been paid.
Also as he does my monthly CIS returns to HMRC should he give me certificates for each contractor, because sooner or later the contractors will ask for them.
To be honest I feel like I'm being led up the garden path yet again, did do a check on him the other night and it seems he was involved with dodgy education schools for migrants which were funded by the Government which has now been closed down, also has 4 or 5 directorships in non accounting businesses.....

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Plumbers in London | London Plumbers Blog | Heating Installers London

So, he did give you an invoice for the total amount you paid, £2000? It should be enough, I think. Regarding your monthly CIS returns, he definitely needs to produce certificates for each contractor and pass them to you or post the certificates to the contractors.

Nope, he's given me an invoice which states what has been paid and what is due. I do not have an invoice / receipt for the total amount paid. Otherwise I might as well just start submitting invoices where I have taken a deposit and forget the amount due from customers.

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Plumbers in London | London Plumbers Blog | Heating Installers London

In that case, ask him to write and "sign" on the original invoice next to the amount due, that he has now received the outstanding payment on.... and cheque no... (if you pay him by cheque).