Friday, June 27, 2014

John Challis on why he didn't become a tax inspector

John Challis tells the story that in the late 1970's he was summoned by one of her Majesty's Tax Inspectors to discuss his meagre contribution to the Inland Revenue.

John notes that he sat before a middle-aged grey suited man who had obviously not seen the light of day for some time and, after a few minutes silence, the Inspector looked up and said: "You seem to be remarkably unsuccessful in your chosen profession, why don't you give it up and do something more rewarding?"

John thought for a moment and replied: "What? You mean become a tax inspector or something?"

"There's no need to be offensive," replied the Inspector.

John says he's rather glad he didn't follow the Inspector's advice. [Since then he's gone onto star as Boysie in Only Fools and Horses and in the spin-off sit com The Green Green Grass]

Friday, June 20, 2014

Dictionary definition (or not) of timesheet

As suggested by Cara Miller of Miller Walsh Associates in an article for Accountancy Age:
Timesheet (noun): swearword commonplace in many a UK accountany office. Bane of life. Likely to cause lots of sighing. Method of keeping boss happy while driving everyone else crazy...
Can you suggest any further definitions?

Friday, June 13, 2014

Charlie's Tax Return (from The West Wing)

The 3 short clips linked up here are a delightful reminder of how wonderful was the TV show, The West Wing. And even though it addresses US taxes the reason for the discrepancy can just as easily arise under the UK's PAYE system.


HOW strong is HMRC's case?

Years ago a senior official was talking about HMRC prosecution policy. He mentioned an occasion when he had lost a case and went back to his...