Consumer group urges taxpayers to avoid using refund firms to claim tax rebates

Consumer group Which? has urged taxpayers to avoid using so-called 'refund firms' to claim tax rebates.

Which? stated that people are losing hundreds of pounds by using third-party companies to claim tax rebates rather than going directly to HMRC.

Research carried out by the group found that one in five people had been either contacted directly by a tax refund company via email, phone, letter or text message or found one online.

Two in five of those contacted by a tax refund company said they used it in order to claim a tax rebate. Such companies often charge fees anywhere between 25% to 48% of the rebate an individual receives. Extra admin fees and VAT are often added on top, according to Which?.

HMRC told Which?:

'We don't accredit or in any way approve agents and take firm action against any not complying with the law. We encourage customers to come to us to make their marriage allowance claim.

'It takes only a few minutes to complete the online application and eligible claims receive 100% of their entitlement. It is important that people thinking of using a tax agent are clear in advance about fees and are satisfied they'll get the service they sign up for.'

Internet links: Which? website

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After completing her A-Levels in 2017, Rebecca started her career in accounting by joining the Page Ivy team. Since then she has completed levels 2 and 3 of the AAT qualification and is currently studying towards level 4.

In the office, Rebecca works with our clients to assist them in preparing their VAT returns, assists with Xero Cloud-based bookkeeping and Accounting and is also trained in all matters of payroll.

In her spare time, Rebecca likes to, spend time with her friends and family, train dogs and more recently, has started to learn Spanish.

Since school Charlie has always had an interest in accountancy and followed up on his career aspirations by joining Page Ivy in 2017.

After three years of studying, Charlie is nearing completion of his AAT level 4 qualification and is looking to start his ACCA training imminently.

Charlie deals with the preparation of Limited Company, Sole trader and Partnership accounts along with preparing VAT and MGD returns.

In his spare time, Charlie enjoys watching football and spending time with his partner, friends, and family.

Danielle joined the Page Ivy team back in 2013 as an AAT Trainee, now qualified she is responsible for managing our Payroll  Bureau.

Her role includes processing weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payroll runs, corresponding with HMRC on behalf of our clients,  preparing and submitting CIS 300 returns, assisting clients with all areas of payroll, HR, and Administration.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys climbing, spending time with family and friends, and going on long country walks with her partner and dog.

Declan is the newest member of the Page Ivy team, starting with us in 2020.

Declan is currently studying towards level 2 of his AAT Apprenticeship and in the office, is getting to grips with data entry and analysis.

In his spare time, Declan enjoys country walking with his family and dog, sports events and more recently, learning to play the piano!

Megan joined our team in 2014 and has been ensuring that the Page Ivy office runs smoothly ever since.

Her role includes managing the team and their diaries,  handling client queries, and assisting with Administration.

Megan is a Xero certified Payroll advisor, meaning that when Danielle is on leave, Megan is on hand to run our payroll department.

Megan has two children, Isabella and Felicity, who like to keep her busy! In her spare time, she likes to keep fit, spend time with her family and online shop!

Abby started her career in accounting in 2009, working for a small practice in Chesterfield, alongside studying for her AAT qualification.

After three short years, in 2012 the opportunity arose to become Director of Page Ivy Accountants and she hasn't looked back!

Building long-lasting client relationships are of utmost importance to Abby, she has a passion for providing a high level of customer service and ensuring that our clients feel valued.

Abby is responsible for overseeing the preparation of VAT returns and MGD return prepared by the Page Ivy team; along with providing personal tax advice to a wide range of clients.

 

In her spare time, Abby enjoys, traveling, reading, and going to the gym.

Edward joined the team as a school leaver in 2012.  From here he went on to study Business Administration, AAT, and finally progressed on to complete his  ACCA qualification 2019.

Edward is a knowledgable, pro-active Senior accountant, who prides himself on providing high quality, in-depth, technical advice in a manner that is easily understood by his clients.

He is responsible for the preparation of Sole trader, Partnerships, and Limited Company accounts. As well as monthly and quarterly management accounts and conducting business reviews.

In his spare time, Edward likes to spend time with his friends and family,  spending time in his local pub and watching Derby FC collect 3 points.

 

Gareth started his career in accountancy in 2002. Since then he has worked in both small and medium-sized accountancy practices, working with a variety of clients from small businesses to advising quoted companies on Corporate Tax compliance and specialist claims, such as for Research and Development allowances. He places high importance on technical expertise, believing this to be essential to ensure clients can be safe in the knowledge they are fully compliant with HMRC’s requirements while minimising their tax liabilities. This is reflected in him being a fully qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts in England and Wales.

He joined Page Ivy in 2012, since then he has taken responsibility for overseeing the preparation of clients Sole Trader, Partnership and Limited company accounts, as well as clients personal Self Assessment Tax Returns.

Alongside Abby he hopes to continue to develop both the technical expertise within the firm, and see the business continue to grow from strength to strength.

Outside of work Gareth has served as deputy leader of the town council, enjoys eating out, and fishing.

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