Hi all

As part of our initial relocation package, we had our 2008 return prepared by an accountant, who did a great job and it was finally submitted about a month ago - we're waiting to see how that goes. We'd like to use him again this year to keep life simple, but he is rather expensive.

After some umm-ing and ahh-ing, the accountant has said that he can give us a reduced price for 2009, but for that he will only prepare the return up to submission, as opposed to the 2008 company-funded full service which includes any follow-up necessary with the tax office until the point the money is paid.

Now, this seems a good deal - after all, what can possibly go wrong once the perfectly completed return is submitted, right? But can more experienced people here let me know what I'd actually be agreeing to - should I just pay the extra (not a show-stopping amount, but about 35% more) and get the full end-to-end service, or take the discount and do any follow-up work myself?

For reference, I'm a bit nerdy and quite like finance matters, and have good enough French for any necessary conversations.

Thanks a lot.

kodokan

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'Chance favours only the prepared mind.'

Depends on your personal situation. This isn't clear from your message.

If you earning a straightforward salary and can list and declare your assets in the required manner, oh and also speak the language well enough to understand the form, there is really no sweat. Its easy to do. Getting any consultant is a waste of your money.

However if maybe you are running a small company or are self employed and its all so complicated that you don't want to know then go for the consultant.

Sorry, you're right, of course our situation makes a difference, I should have said.

Very simple, really, standard employee, taxed at source (but return necessary), some savings, a few shares in the UK, no property - all run of the mill stuff.

I'm just faintly paranoid that if the post-return stuff equates to a third of the normal fee, then what on earth can be involved in this stage?!

kodokan

In my experience the people in the tax office are very helpful, and that if anything is missing or incorrect in your declaration they will often take the time to explain it to you if you ask. I don' think you'll need a consulatant for that.