The dreaded letter of doom arrived on the proverbial-doormat this morning. Over the last few months we’ve had numerous conversations that all start the same way, client looks side-to-side, as if to check no one is listening, and then says in a whisper “I think we’ve been reported”.
Queue their shock-horror-face, awaiting a reaction from Steve or myself.
We’ve had reports that people have literally come to blows with neighbours, friends (or ex friends) and breed specific rivals over this specific document that’s instilling fear into all dog loving folk.
Of course I’m referring to the HMRC “we believe you’ve made money from breeding your dogs….blah blah please ‘voluntarily’ disclose your income” kind of thing. Now, we all know there’s nothing ‘voluntary’ about the HMRC requesting information, this is pretty serious shizz.
The worst thing you can do is ignore this letter.
It’s not going away. The sale of dogs and dog trade is valued at millions per annum in the UK, particularly since COVID when the world and his dog (pun intended…) decided to have a litter. Mr Tax Man was never going to let that slide, we are of course the new ‘nail bars’. He now wants a piece of the pie.
Now, if you’re like us and submit books annually through an accountant, this letter is a very quick fix. Wherever the HMRC’s new ‘information’ is coming from, some say it’s from insurance companies, some are accusing the veterinary industry and some blame the numerous advertising sites available, who knows! …it is to my understanding that if you’re a sole trader, it is simply that the name on the letter hasn’t been attached to an ‘existing tax account’. Therefore all it needs is an simple response from your accountant to HMRC to aid them matching the unique ID thingy-majigs up (can you tell I don’t do the tax stuff in this household?!).
If you have seen yourself as a ‘hobby breeder’, or haven’t kept many records and are now in an absolute flap over the letter received, fear not! We have a wonderful accountant contact, who is a dog gal, fellow breeder and show friend - Stacie. Stacie has already helped a number of our clients and has all the knowledge and patience in the world to help you guys sort this scary situation out. We can also recommend our trusted accountant too, Darryl. Darryl has been our accountant since day-dot and, will of course, be happy to advise anyone needing a bit of grown-up chat that we all leave to one side because it pickles our brains, happens to the best of us!
Honestly, this doesn’t have to give you sleepless nights!
Make a brew, make the call and BOOM back to the day job picking up poop and walking the pooch!
No thanks needed ;)...
Jo x
P.s. Our contact’s info is below, mention we sent you so they know to look after you well!
Stacie Quick - 07711402128
Darryl McClean - 07912940912
Our desire is to work within a world where our expertise makes a difference.
