Newsletter issue - December 2012.
The Taxman apparently believes that anyone who does business in cash must be a potential 'tax cheat'. This is ridiculous of course, but his latest business record checks campaign is based on this fallacy.
If you receive a call from the Taxman asking questions about your business records, please refer the caller to us before agreeing to answer his questions. You should not be penalised for doing this. The Taxman is required to deal with the taxpayer's agent if asked to do so.
The telephone questionnaire is a computer generated script, which only accepts a limited range of answers. For example: How many purchases are in cash? Answers accepted: none, a third, half or more.
The answers given determine whether the Taxman sends you guidance on how to keep better business records, or an Inspector to check what you may be doing wrong. Where the Taxman wants to inspect your business records, please ask us to be present when they come. The potential penalties for flying solo are not worth it.