how we prepare your tax return

The work to prepare a tax return will vary depending on the complexity.

The annual cycle normally begins when we send you a letter to outline the information we will need to prepare your return. To make it easier for you, this includes a reminder of the matters on your tax return - and also a note of anything which has changed in tax system that might affect your return.

When you send the information - it is first checked to see if all appears that we have everything we need - and if so then a junior will normally start work.

We must first organise the information you send so that each type of income is separated out and then the information can be put into a standard form so that it can be easily checked to ensure accuracy. We then analyse the information to make sure that the correct categorisation has been used.

The information is then processed onto a Tax Return preparation software package which we subscribe for to prepare the return itself. The junior will make notes especially on any matters which do not appear straightforward - so that your account manager can consider it carefully.

The return is then ready for a detailed review - where every entry on the return is checked before being verified. Just as importantly your account manager checks to see what might not have been supplied. e.g.if last year you had a dividend from Microsoft shares and this year not - then either you need to send us the information on dividend - or details of the sale proceeds.

It is not unusual for the account manager to need to discuss an issue with one of our consultants. This is a very cost effective way of gaining access to this specialist advice

We recommendthat as a final stage it is best to meet us to discuss the return. This has two benefits - first we can check each entry with you to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. Secondly we cantalk about your future plans so that we are in a position to make positive suggestions.