Charted Accountant. Lecturer and writer on tax. Passionate about the tax system, small businesses and helping ordinary people to deal with their tax affairs.
“They say time heals all wounds, but that presumes the source of grief is finite.” Cassandra Clare, A clockwork Prince
Not so, not so. In memory of a beloved daughter.
Dear
@thetimes
please stop referring to the penalty charged on Mr Zahawi as a penalty for tax avoidance. It isn’t. It can’t be. There is no tax penalty for tax avoidance if it is successful because it is not illegal. The penalty was for submitting an incorrect tax return. 1/2
A few SPM’s got in touch today but there must be lots more out there-One lady got in touch after hearing about us on
@carolvorders
radio show. We advised her and as a result she will be around £7,500 better off. Please try to find those needing help.
Hey everyone the website is now live. Brief details of the tax position under the various compensation schemes and a contact us for those who need help and also for tax advisers wishing to volunteer their services FOC. 1/2
1. Stayed sane leaving my family home of 25 years to downsize. 2. Nursed my beloved husband through to the best death that I could (from cancer at 59). 3. Still here, just about, and focussing on my 5 kids who need me.
Also, please stop with the knock
@HMRCgovuk
comments. If the NHS is saving lives, the civil service is working hard to save the economy of the UK. And it will not be appreciated by most because it is invisible. But I would personally like to thank
@HMRCgovuk
staff for their work
@DanNeidle
I’m pushed with tax returns for clients but if any affected subpostmasters need help I will help FOC. Please will others with the appropriate skills also volunteer. Better still if one of our larger ICAEW firms would open their doors to affected SPM’s that would be wonderful.
Really really tough right now. Need to hold it together for my lovely grandsons (6, 3 and 6mths) but terrified I will be a complete disaster tomorrow. Done the right things - lovely bath, candles, but how do I do this?? Please send me strength xx
@carolvorders
@tonydowney67
@LBC
If there are any subpostasters worried about tax on compensation payments I have a whole crew of Chartered tax advisors and Chartered accountants ready to advise and support them including doing tax returns free of charge. Contact through our website
Just finished watching the drama about the
#PostOffceScandal
. I needed to do piecemeal as I found it too emotional. Mum was a subpostmistress from about 1958 to 1980. Thank God she retired before this but I kept thinking ‘It could have been her. 1/2
In preparation for my daughter’s funeral next week I have been looking through poems she wrote to me over many years - since she was about 8 years old. This one reduced me to absolute floods of tears but is the most beautiful thing I have ever read. I’m so thankful.
@RichardEGrant
Richard your tweets lift my spirits. You smile ‘though your heart is breaking’ and are so calm and dignified. Lost my husband 5 years ago and my daughter 3 weeks ago. You keep me going, thank you.
Well it’s a really busy week for me. And tomorrow evening I will be on the telly with Martin Lewis answering questions on tax and hoping to demystify for viewers. Looking forward to it! Will make a change from talking to accountants.
@MartinSLewis
Thinking of my beautiful girl on what would have been her 36th birthday. We all love you so much my darling and we are grateful that you are at last at peace. Almost 2 years now and we miss you as much as ever. Rest in peace my beloved girl.
Really really rubbish day. Bright side - socially distanced visit from daughter and grandsons. Black side, 90% of my income Sept to Dec cancelled. Realised that even 3 years out from widowhood I’m not OK but good at pretending. Must try harder. Tomorrow will be better.
Boy we a day. Literally hundreds of people came to celebrate Naomi’s life and the impact she had on them. Utterly wonderful day - people from every walk of life who met her on their (or her)way. As one speaker said ’she was part of the tapestry of our lives’. Wonderful.
Proudest moment of my life. She was so warm and kind - like chatting to my mum. God Bless You and thank you for your dedication and service to our country and the wider world. ❤️
Ok Tax Twitter I have registered a domain name to support subpostmasters who have tax issues as a result of compensation payments. See
@DanNeidle
blog for details. I have offered my services FOC but I may need more volunteers-
@Ray_McCann55
and others are in. More tomorrow.
If you believe that Zahawi did his own tax return this isn’t relevant but if you have an accountant or adviser this is what is expected of you to take reasonable care over your tax affairs.
My daughter’s school planted a tree in her memory and sent me this photo of the plaque. So beautiful with the daisies around it. What a lovely tribute - the dates are of her term there as a teacher up to her death.
A very poignant day. My beautiful daughter’s first birthday after her death and tomorrow is my beloved husband’s birthday. Hold each other tight in heaven xx
PLEASE candidates! No more stupid tax announcements. I’m having nightmares. Uncosted and outlandish claims to reduce/“simplify” tax are ill considered and just plain wrong. We don’t need more uncertainty in the tax system.
@DanNeidle
But interesting also,Dan that the due filing date would normally be 30 September - 9 months after the accounting date for a private limited company. The due filing date is shown as 31 December which means that someone already applied for an extension - and has failed to meet it.
Very very proud grandmother this weekend. First son for my lovely son and his wife - arrived in a tearing hurry in about 2 hours! Welcome to the world for next generation of Benneyworths. 💙
Morning Twitter. Happy to help those who are finding this all difficult. I will have a go at a webinar aimed at workers - whether employed, limited company or self employed. Then I can outline what we do and don’t know. Coming later. Will tweet.
HMRC guidance on postmasters' compensation payments is now live! Dedicated phone line opens on Wednesday morning.
@HMRCgovuk
showing how it should be done!
This is really important at a time when lots of people are doing their own returns. Carelessly submitting an incorrect return that understates your tax liability attracts a penalty. Doing so deliberately is even more serious.
@DanNeidle
For any Accountants or Tax advisors wanting to help sub postmasters with tax issues I can provide tax software free of charge to enable you to file tax returns free of charge for affected taxpayers. Ask at
Oh and absolutely utterly free of charge. 100% guaranteed. Thanks to all our lovely volunteers - I hope to have some work for you soon - if we can just reach those needing help.
@HMRCgovuk
also stepping up and showing how to do it!👏🏻👏🏻
I’m still astounded by how many people don’t REALLY know about the
#PostOfficeScandal
Talked to a guy last night who thought that Seema Misra was the only victim. He was outraged at her treatment but when I told him about the true extent of this he was utterly speechless.
@DanNeidle
Oh boy I really cannot understand people who do this. It is so outside my sphere of experience that I am absolutely mystified by them.
@DanNeidle
you have done the Uk public and importantly the tax system in the UK a great service.
Any district nurses/palliative care nurses visiting patients in Stroud area - we have 2 electric cars and can lend one of them.Find me online & send a contact email with your surgery details and I will be in touch.Husband’s last days were helped massively by you guys.
#fuelcrisis
I have more volunteers than those seeking help so please anyone who knows of people affected by the scandal send them to us. There is a bunch of committed professionals waiting to help at no charge.
Bloody well done
@HMRCgovuk
Kudos. My offer for help is still there but I’m gritting my teeth hoping it isn’t thousands as there is only me and 3 part time staff but I can probably prevail on other
@ICAEW
members to help if we can 1/2
Update on the
#PostOfficeScandal
tax scandal. HMRC have responded v quickly. Question is whether they’ll be able to get this message out to affected postmasters (most of whom will never see this tweet, or HMRC guidance)
Ok I’m 24 hours out from the most amazing ceremony to celebrate the life of my beautiful daughter Naomi. I wanted to thank everyone so much for your positive messages over the last few days. Can’t quite believe I (we all) got through it but we really did her justice. 1/2
This - mum of three boys under 8 who 5 years ago had never run a step just today ran 50km in memory of her sister who sadly took her own life just over a year ago after many years of mental ill health. Raised loads for charity and ran with a photo of her sister next to her heart.
#LoanCharge2019
. I have generally tried to keep to facts this week but for the avoidance of doubt here are my opinions. 1. Many people were fleeced and sold schemes without them understanding what they were getting into. Some were not even given a choice.
On my way to London to do
@ICAEW
webinar on Loan charge, EBTs and how best to advise affected clients. Delving deeper into this mess has convinced me that many people were misled about this
My first day of having this little chap all day tomorrow. Unreasonably excited! Got camping cot set up in spare bedroom and stupid expensive proper pram (Silver Cross) ready (although this has already done 2 grandsons) and ready for anything! Look at him with teddy I knitted! 💙
At flipping last! My grandson arrived last night - four days late. A nine pound six ounce bundle of joy. Modelling my knitting. Mama home already! Welcome Cassius Oliver.
One for the accountants / tax peeps on here. Real quote from a client many years ago! “What do you mean, it’s not my money. I bloody earned it.” Someone who should not be trading as a limited company!
Questions coming in for tonight’s
@itvMLshow
on a wide range of tax topics. Starting to get excited and looking forward to helping a load of people feel more confident about their tax affairs.
@MartinSLewis
@DanielLambert29
Your story needs telling in Government. Please contact the Administrative Burdens Advisory Board. Tell your story there. We will do what we can to get this heard in HMRC.
@PaulAplinOnTax
is also a member.
This amazing tribute to learning for its own sake is amazing. My daughter knocked it up this morning based on their mandatory texts. Every line references a text they have studied. Most kids in tears today - they have worked so hard!! Please share for students of English.
Although a real sensible simplification would have been to get rid of the abatement of personal allowances at £100,000 rather than abolish 45% rate. So the commitment to simplification is not apparent here!
So proud of my daughter Liz. Did tandem parachute jump today from 10,000 ft. This girl can’t even stand on a chair without meltdown! Raised £1,000 for our local hospice. What a hero!
One year anniversary of my darling husband’s cremation. Delayed because he donated his body to medical science. Go Paul. Our hero - love you my darling x
I have spent most of the last 18 months in the house. Not shielding, just got into the habit (rut) of not going outside. Yesterday I decided to change that and get out and about. Here is who I met this morning on the common!
Our list of volunteers continues to grow. We can even offer a Welsh language service now! Amazing accountants!! Still needing to get the word out to affected sub-postmasters.
@BBCNews
can you help? Free tax advice and tax returns
So very many people who loved her came-police officers who dealt with her at her worst - teachers who taught her and so very many former students. It was a massive comfort to us all-and our wonderful celebrant helped us say what we need to. Thanks everyone on here and who came xx
My handiwork has stood up well. Two little boys - one of whom is in both photos taken 37 years apart! Knitted in 1986 and now sported by my grandson. ❤️
For anyone who knew or met my beautiful daughter Naomi we are holding a celebration of her life on Monday 15 August at
@StroudBrewery
from 2pm until late. Room for everyone - all are most welcome.
Here is my youngest grandson sporting the Easter outfit I made him! He looks absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately his 2 year old cousin refused point blank to wear his! Nevertheless I’m pleased with myself. First go at T-shirts and leggings!
Lots of tweeps critical of people queuing to ‘look at a box’. Saying goodbye to my husband 5 years ago and my daughter 3 weeks ago I can tell you that ‘the box’ has enormous significance. It is the chance to say your personal goodbye. 1/n
Talked to my son and his girlfriend last night about the Post Office scandal. They had no idea. At lunchtime today my son rang me to bring me up to speed with this morning’s evidence - which is shocking! Another couple of converts!
@nickwallis
will see you in Swindon (🤞)
@DanNeidle
You can find me on any search engine. My handle on here is a horrible truncation of my name but my publicised name will get you to my website. Please just Subpostmasters as I’m pretty much going under with workload - planning to be in office in Boxing Day.
.
@hselftax
please can you take
@paullewismoney
on one side and explain the difference between self employment and running a limited company. He seems to think that there are people pretending to be limited companies to save tax. True sometimes tax is lower - but not always.
Brilliant response from
@HMRCgovuk
on the scaremongering by the press on the ‘new rules’ (NOT) on selling stuff online. Lots of tax professionals trying to mythbust this, but this video gives you the full story. Buying to sell is likely to be trading (taxable). Otherwise not.
There’s been a lot of speculation online about new rules requiring online marketplaces to share certain details with us, and what this means for taxpayers. The reality? There are no changes to tax rules for people who use online marketplaces. More info 👇
OK report on my very first
@parkrunUK
. Managed 2 out of three laps. Knees very wobbly so decided not to cripple myself. Approx 39 minutes so pleased with that. Tiny bit disappointed not to complete 5k but gives me something to aim for. Onwards and upwards.
@RevRichardColes
Oh Richard these do catch you don’t they? Sometimes Facebook memories of my husband lift my heart and I feel lighter all day. Sometimes an equally lovely memory sends me to the depths of grief to which (every time) I think I will never have to go again. It does,it will get better
Over 12 hours put in today in the office and at the end of it I was brave enough to do a count. Not good. But I was unable to work for much of the summer so I’m 3 months down. In the light of that I’m not doing badly at all! Fingers crossed I can keep up the pace!
Just back from an amazing evening at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon listening to
@nickwallis
talking about
#PostOfficeScandal
. Listened to everything, read everything, watched everything but still lots to learn. Get along there - think a couple of sessions left. Thanks Nick.
So proud of my daughter Liz today. Ran 1/2marathon (trail not road) but it was the first time she has left baby Jude since he was born in January. He suffered meningitis @ 6 days old but thankfully no long term effects. But I know how hard it is to leave your baby! Love to mums x
Last week in January menu when I don’t have anyone to cook for me. Beans on toast. Scrambled egg on toast. Cheese on toast. Tonight : Heinz Tomato Soup (HOW MUCH?) and sliced white bread. I’ve negative aged 60 years!
A wonderful 61st birthday at Harry Potter studio. My darling husband was so terrible at birthdays, but none the less I have missed him today.
#loveofmylife
#tooyoungtodie
.
@MartinSLewis
if you have a mate on the inside can you lean on them to get guidance for sole directors onto the CV website. We need more than an assurance. We need hard words in public. Many thanks for your efforts.
Seriously accountant peeps I’ve clients ringing me thanking me for getting them onto digital records. A childminder said “No more missed time and for weekly bills we have the payment over the weekend!” Was previously manual records! Sorry to be passionate but it has worked for me
Ok updating - sorry if this is boring. Waiting on 1 signature and 1 query. 2 out of UK (not having sent info) 2 with no UTR’s. Yesterday’s client sorted plus 6 tax returns. Done!
It can be quite tricky to be sure your income is over or under £50,000. Don’t just rely on your P60. I have always said this is an absolute minefield. If you need help ask me - free of charge. I am passionate about helping ordinary people sort their tax affairs.
If you or your partner have an income above £50,000 and are claiming Child Benefit - you will need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge by 31 January.
Find out more 👇
So MTD for Income Tax mandation has been put back to 2024. However that does give us time to get lots of clients into the pilot and really be ready for the mandatory start date. Don’t let up your preparations but we have more time to get businesses ready! Thanks
@HMRCgovuk
I am absolutely astonished at the wide positive reception to the abolition of the Off Payroll Working rules particularly from contractors. It makes me think that they don’t understand or they think they can go back to non compliance.
As a reward for volunteer driving all weekend I got to take my Tesla round the Silverstone F1 circuit (twice!). Along with about 25 other mad Tesla owners. Big smile!
GP appointments. Phoned surgery 2pm. Call back 3.30 pm. “I need to see you - can you get here for 4.15?” Brilliant. Listened to chest and now have horse pills and told to REST! Ok message received and understood. But bloody brilliant service.
@CastletonLee
@nickwallis
The website (very basic) to help with tax on compensation payments is now live. I have volunteers who can advise Free of Charge (and will do so myself including submitting tax returns FOC). Please push out!
If you feel able a donation to the Horizon Scandal fund would be a great way to show your support. I have been following the story for a few years and
@nickwallis
is doing a great job reporting on the public enquiry.
Today’s harvest. Spuds, broad beans, peas, black currants, strawberries, yellow courgette (who knew?) and out of shot mange tout, raspberries and loganberries .
#blessed
#lovemygarden
6/n Parliamentary scrutiny of complex tax legislation is clearly failing. It’s time to find a better way to properly test and challenge legislation so that Parliament understands what it is legislating & the consequences.