As some of you may be aware, last year, British Taxpayers celebrated 100 years as a business. Our core values have always been, not only to provide high standards of technical support to our clients, but to be an understanding and reassuring voice in times of uncertainty and confusion; feelings that tax law can often exacerbate. The wellbeing of our clients is of the utmost importance to us. We also of course highly value our staff and have always attempted to maintain a positive and supportive environment to work in.
Today, our firm faces challenges shared by the rest of the world. Whilst many will be fearful of the immediate risk to the health of themselves and loved ones in the coming weeks and months, many will be equally fearful of the unprecedented financial impacts that the measures put in place to fight this pandemic, will have on themselves, their families, their businesses and the global economy.
We have been required to take difficult measures within our firm, in line with the recent Government announcement to support the countries efforts to slow the spread of the Covid -19 virus. Our office environment and working conditions have been adjusted, whilst maintaining sufficient support for our clients. Unfortunately, as it is not feasible for all of our staff to work from home, it is currently only our more senior team members that will be working from home and available at this time, in order to provide support during this difficult period.
In line with the Government’s guidance on social distancing, we are temporarily suspending all face to face meetings and we ask that you do not attend our offices. If you have something arranged, a member of the team will be in touch to organise a suitable alternative. We are currently putting measures in place to conduct meetings over a virtual platform should this be required. However without these measures, we will of course continue to be contactable by telephone. If you call our offices your call will be answered but it may be that your normal advisor will not be immediately available to speak. We can assure you however that your advisor, or a suitable alternative, will contact you as soon as they are able.
We will provide under separate cover, details of the measures that have so far been released by HMRC to assist individuals facing immediate tax liabilities. I am afraid at this stage they are limited, however we will keep you updated.
For the most part we will attempt to conduct business as usual. It is not anticipated that the requirement for a tax return or other compliance will be suspended or, at this stage, delayed, and so if applicable, we will shortly be contacting you regarding your 2019/20 Tax Return. If you have far more pressing matters that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.
Stay safe and well,
Your team at British Taxpayers