Tax/accountants/audits bad client/customer stories

wally1990

Hi all

I work in an accountants managing payroll
And company expenses for limited and umbrella companies , just out of interest and for a laugh have you any funny stories or stories about difficult clients etc

thegolfer

Took over a sole trader a number of years ago from a local bookkeeper.

The client was only small, had two employees, VAT registered, trading from a store. Every year the bookkeeper gave my client a P60, no mention of a Form 11 though, think there was 4 outstanding Form 11's at the time.

Another business came our way from the same bookkeeper. Discovered what Form11 was in the meantime!! However still had to master the art of reconciliation.

They had submitted accounts per a Form 11, one year was missing €80,000 in purchases, showing 95% gross margin, when 30% was good.

Ultimately had to do a full review for them. VAT PAYE IT.
Called in Revenue who audited them over the prior 4 years.

Client had demands for €50k IT. We handed over a cheque for €1500 at the end of the audit, client just sat there scratching his head after it all.

Bookkeeper refused to answer calls, or queries, dumped records at our door and ran, never heard of again.

Had a farmer one time, since retired, his friend did his accounts and tax.
Capital allowances....nah..we'll write that tractor off...be grand...€25000...

The funny thing about some of these stories is how they slip under Revenues radar.