Small accountancy firm achieves big savings for client

The challenge

Sean Fitzsimmons is a self-employed joiner and CIS sub-contractor. On completion of his apprenticeship, he started his own construction business in 2010, converting lofts and building extensions. Sean also works on residential construction sites installing kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, staircases, and so on in new build homes.

Having worked with a few accountants in the past, Sean found them to be very expensive for the services he received, and as with many sole traders or owners of smaller businesses, he never felt prioritised or supported.

Sean’s previous accountants failed to submit his self-assessment in 2015. This error went unnoticed for five years and in that time, he racked up a bill of £1,600 in HMRC penalties for his late return.

The solution

Evolve prepare Sean’s annual self-assessment tax return using his records and figures. They keep him updated on when he must file and make payments so that he avoids additional fines.

They have also provided advice on the availability of, and his eligibility for, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant as a result of Covid-19.

And because Evolve services are bespoke and personal to every client, a carefully worded letter to HMRC that Caroline hoped, at best, would result in a partial refund saw Sean refunded the full £1,600. Knowing from experience that HMRC rarely overturn penalties, Caroline was insistent that the amount Sean owed was particularly excessive for the nature of his business and income – and her efforts were entirely successful.

 

The result

Evolve has saved Sean money. Not only in unpaid HMRC penalties from the late self-assessment in 2015 but because Caroline keeps him regularly informed of his commitments in terms of both submission and payment deadlines – he will avoid unnecessary late payment charges in the future.

Working with Evolve gives Sean much-needed peace of mind that he is doing things by-the-book, and on time.