Britain’s biggest civil service union is currently considering strike action, which could involve 280,000 workers in 200 government departments and agencies. The public and commercial services union have warned that action could start on 31st January to coincide with the deadline for self-assessment and tax returns.

If this is the case then there could be problems for those who leave submission of their tax returns to the last minute.  We are therefore advising all clients to get their tax returns in to us as soon as possible so we can get them processed and safely with the revenue before any potential strike action begins. 

For any further information regarding your tax return please speak to your client manager or alternatively email Janice@stephen-hill.co.uk

Police have recently issued a warning to members of the public about the use of banker’s drafts due to the increased activity recently in the news of the use of forged bankers drafts. This information is especially important to businesses owners who regularly make purchases or purchase goods with the use of a banker’s draft.

If you are intending to make a large purchase the buyer may ask for the purchase price to be paid to them by bank draft.

Bankers’ drafts are cheques drawn directly on the account of a bank rather than the account of a customer. The comfort they provide is that it is highly unlikely they would be returned unpaid due to lack of finds.

However it is important to be aware that bankers drafts can clear in your account and then at a later date be withdrawn; just because the bankers draft shows that it has cleared it doesn't mean the money is yours -if the transaction is fraudulent the money will be taken back.

If you still want to be paid or pay by banker’s draft it is recommended that you take the details of the branch issuing the draft, then it is advisable that you call that particular branch and ask them to confirm that they have issued a cheque for that amount.

Happy New Year

We would like to wish all of our clients and contacts a very prosperous new year from everyone here at stephen-hill and a4g accounting. Please remember we are here to help you with all your business and accountancy needs to ensure that 2007 is a good year for you and your business.

Quote of the week

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination."

Tommy Lasorda