CIS - HMRC recognition for software

[Baggybooks]

The list of providers that has been approved by HMRC seems a very short one.

My provider is still finalising their product. Is anyone else getting a little twitchy as 6th April approaches?

Helen

[Paul22]

No not really i have been using Sage construction for the past 6 months so Im used to it

[Baggybooks]

Does that already have everything ready for 6th April? And if so, what do you think of the changes?

I'm particularly interested in the verification process. On my system it will be fully integrated within the software, which will be easier than logging on to the HMRC site.

[Sue02]

Hi Helen

I'm not sure how Sage Construction works, but Sage are releasing an add on to Sage Line 50 which apparently will work a bit like Sage e-banking, so I'm guessing the verification process will also be fully intergrated like your software. According to an email I had this software should have been available from Monday 12th February. I have received lots of information about it from Sage but haven't really read it properly!!

The price without discount is £250 plus VAT for the first year, I have delayed looking at it any further for the time being as they are being very secretive about the renewal cost and I would rather know how much that is likely to be before I go ahead.

Sue

[Baggybooks]

Thanks Sue.

Just wondering how other contractors will be planning to ease into the verification procedures.

You're in practice, aren't you? That must mean a different set of problems!

[Sue02]

Hi Helen

Yes I'm in practice, I've got a few clients that will be affected by the changes.

So far I've been on two CIS courses and I'm planning to go on another one in March in Dorchester. I'm hoping by that time the Inland Revenue will have some more definite answers as they were uncertain of a few things on the first two courses I attended.

I haven't made my final decision as to whether to use the Inland Revenue software yet or to buy the Sage add on. I use Clients own software in a couple of places, so I guess it will be the Inland Revenue free software there.

It's going to be a busy time for all of us because as well as starting the new scheme, the year end has to be completed for the old scheme along with all the P35 filing etc!

Sue

[Baggybooks]

Tell me about it!

My year-end is 28th Feb. I have a completely new software system in place, but can't really use it until 6th April because I need to submit the CIS with PAYE at the 5th April year-end.

I've tested the new system and am happy that all will go according to plan...

Rather than be negative about it, I've used it as an opportunity to mop up old nominal codes and generally have a good tidy up. I inherited the old system from my predecessor who posted everything through the purchase ledger - including the wages!

I went to a workshop last year, and wasn't that impressed with their knowledge. I don't think I will go again - I'm sure the helplines will be up to speed!

I feel sorry for anyone coming into CIS as a newbie in April - at least we know what we're trying to do.

Helen

[Paul22]

I believe we are due for an upgrade to 'tweak' the system for the new changes. There is a record on the system of all verification details, and a posting will not be completed following the expiration of the status if applicable.

[Baggybooks]

That sounds pretty standard for the current method.

Just curious about the new items that we need to attend to.

:wink:

[Sue02]

Hi Helen

Was it an Inland Revenue workshop you went on? I've been to two held by them re CIS so far, the first time I knew more than they did, the second one was a lot better!

I don't do that much relating to CIS at the moment, so like you I make use of the Helpline!

Sue

[Baggybooks]

I went to two HMRC workshops in Bth and an AAT one (also with the HMRC) but that one was before they pushed it back a year.

I will just see how it goes and ask if I get stuck.

:cry:

[hollers]

Jumping in here. I have a couple of CIS clients (very small)who will be carrying out the verification process themselves. I will be doing the calculations for them and will be buying the Moneysoft payroll package. I downloaded the trial version and input live data. Very impressed with it and the reports are ideal. As my clients have less than 100 employees/CIS, I will be looking at the £99 (plus VAT) version, which gives unlimited companies.

It is on the HMRC list but not sure how it will deal with the verification process.

Sharon

[Baggybooks]

Sub-contractors are definitely getting nervous. I'm being even more pro-active with requesting their registration details.

Most don't seem aware of the change from 18% to 20% for CIS4 holders - and that's just for starters!

[hollers]

Quite agree with you there! One of mine has read some of the bumf and thinks it is going to be easier as he won't have to wait until a card is produced before taking some-one on but hasn't quite grasped that the monthly declaration puts the company in the hot seat.

Sharon

[Baggybooks]

Exactly. I'm written a questionnaire for the verification process - just a brief thing in Word.

It will give me something in b & w to keep on file.

I won't pass any purchase orders for new sub-contractors unless I've spoken with them first. They aren't given the order until I have their details.

It's working very well. But it is extra work, because I now have to check all orders, which isn't really my area. I think that is safer than just letting them go out.

The person that places the orders will not grasp how important this is and that it's my 'signature' going on the paperwork.

[Sue02]

I think one of the bigger problems for the Contractor/Sub Contractor side of it is trying to tell them they must be employed not self employed.

[Sue02]

Helen you're quick with your replies, between my looking through the topic and typing my last message, two more messages had sneaked in!!!!

[Baggybooks]

Well, luckily I don't have any subcontractors that should be employed. They all took employment some time ago. Those that didn't, don't work for us any more.

The only 'labour' sub-contractors we have are on specific contracts and have already been verified.

Not sure what the future holds though.

Edit: I drink a lot of coffee!

[Sue02]

I think what is making them listen, is telling them how much the fines are going to be!!

I can see their point about having the Tax deducted from them monthly though, because others, like me, don't have the money deducted. Although I do have some Subbies that prefer to have the money deducted each month.

[Baggybooks]

I think it will all be fine once we go live. At the end of the day, the guys just want their money.

CIS6 and CIS5 holders will be a doddle - and that's what most of mine are.

I suppose my only concern is that when there is a problem, I'm going to have to listen to a very irate subby shouting at me!

I'm sure when their HMRC website crashes and the helplines are down, we'll hear about it here first!

[Sue02]

I rang the new CIS helpline to see if I could verify a subby early as their CIS Card ran out on the 31st March and the Inland Revenue kept changing their mind as to whether they would issue a new card for the few days betweeen the old and new schemes. I was told to ring back on the 6th, which was what I was expecting anyway, but I'm wondering whether anyone at the Inland Revenue has realised the 6th is Good Friday? I'll be working, but I don't suppose they will!

[Baggybooks]

Similar thoughts at this end.

I know the changes should have been made last year, but when they delayed it 12 months, surely they checked the calendar?

I'm trying to stay relaxed.

[Sue02]

Actually I seem to remember reading somewhere that the CIS helpline will be open 7 days a week, so I guess that means we get the opportunity to put them to the test on the first day!! It is also supposed to be on the 6th that you can register for CIS online, so I'll be giving that a go.

On a different subject (Which I'm posting in the wrong place, but as you use the forum a lot I thought I'd ask) are you receiving email alerts at the moment or is there still a problem?

Sue

[Baggybooks]

No - the alerts aren't coming through.

Time we woke Malcolm up again!

[Sue02]

At least I know it's not just me, because I often seen to get delays with my emails, then I get a whole load of alerts in one go!!

[Baggybooks]

There's a couple of forum users that post messages that generate email alerts.

No-one knows why. It's almost as if they're in a parallel forum, because they're never shown as logged on either.