Are you affected by DATS / Diss Accounting and Taxation Services (European) Ltd /BMST?
A lot of people have been shocked in the last few days receiving a letter saying that Diss Accounting and Taxation Services (European) Ltd is closing on 31 October 2013. The clients are told that from 1 November 2013 the firm (sometimes known as DATS) will no longer act as their accountants.
I would expect this sad news is related to the HMRC attention on the tax-avoidance arrangements knows as BMST – Bridgham Managed Service Trust. A lot of people who used this scheme were introduced to it by the late Fred Robertson of this accountancy firm. The letter is signed by or on behalf of Catriona Robertson the director.
I go into more detail on BMST in the following article also on this website under Our Blog.
http://www.huston.co.uk/blog/191-hmrc-sets-bmst-deadline-of-30-nov-2013-tax-avoidance.html
VIDEO about BMST – see http://youtu.be/q2_MpwCCFO0
DATS / Diss Accounting and Taxation Services (European) Ltd
This business closing on 31 October 2013 is sad news for those involved and no doubt there are sound business reasons for taking the difficult decision.
The clients coming to me having used BMST are always pointing out how they had been happy with the service they received from the firm, Fred Robertson and the staff.
Furthermore I have been very happy with the cooperation I have received from DATS as a result of my taking over clients’ affairs and writing to DATS for information.
I wish the staff all the best as they embark on the next phase of their professional career.
What if you were involved in BMST?
You now find yourself about to be without an accountant. They will not be completing your 2012/13 Tax Return or helping you settle the enquiry into your return as a result of using BMST.
We can help you with both matters, and if you so wish your ongoing tax and accounting needs.
- We are acting for a number of BMST clients in settling their affairs, and by so doing avoiding penalties being levied.
- I am in regular contact with the HMRC officers handling the enquiries – starting with Mike Friar and moving on to the colleagues to whom he has delegated settling the enquiries.
- My wife Felicity Huston and I are both former HM Inspectors of Taxes and as such are perfectly positioned to help you in your dealings with HMRC. We know what arguments to put, and when to stop arguing!
- Some clients have been in the UK under 91 days per tax year, and for them we can reduce the BMST tax bill by use of our non-residency expertise – we have hundreds of UK clients abroad.
- We do not use exciting tax avoidance schemes, instead relying on the sensible use of the tax law we have- aim being that clients pay the minimum tax permissible under the law.
- You do not need to worry about the 30 October 2013 Tax Return deadline. Since we use online filing software we can file your 2012/13 return up to 30 November 2013.
- You DO however need someone to contact HMRC on your behalf before the end of November 2013. This needs done by us, you, or someone, to ensure that you can avail of the HMRC offer to settle matters without penalties.
- The settlement with HMRC may well extend beyond November, but that is fine so long as they know you have been in touch.
What if you were not involved in this, but are a client of this firm as it closes in October 2013?
We are a full service accountancy practice, and act for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships. We can set up a limited company or LLP for you, and we have special expertise in the area of non-residency.
Distance is not a problem – if we work with a client in Kabul or South Sudan on a satellite phone, then working for you via email, phone and Skype will be quite smooth.
Contact:
Adrian Huston on +44(0)28 9080 6080 Email IRAQ@Huston.co.uk Skype: Offshore.Tax
Further reading
On BMST – http://www.huston.co.uk/blog/191-hmrc-sets-bmst-deadline-of-30-nov-2013-tax-avoidance.html
Video on BMST – http://youtu.be/q2_MpwCCFO0
Feel free to check out Adrian Huston’s LinkedIn profile.
Adrian Huston, a former tax inspector, is a director of Belfast tax and accountancy firm (non-residency specialists) Huston & Co – www.huston.co.uk or 028 9080 6080.