Putting things back in order.
Sometimes people come to an accountant because something has gone wrong. A return was not filed, a penalty notice arrived, or the books for a small business have fallen months behind. It can be tempting to leave the envelopes unopened. In our experience, the situation usually becomes easier to handle once the facts are laid out. Most problems with HMRC can be resolved with accurate figures and a clear explanation.
We are based at Team Valley in Gateshead, not far from Primrose by road. You can talk to us by phone or email in the first instance, and send copies of letters and records electronically. If you would prefer to explain things face to face, you are welcome at our Team Valley office. Tell us what is happening and we can talk through the next step.
Small businesses in a close-knit part of Jarrow.
Primrose is a residential part of Jarrow, made up mainly of housing, with local shops and everyday services close by. Residents include tradespeople, small shop owners, taxi drivers, carers and people with a mix of employment and self-employment. Many of the businesses here are run by one person, which means the owner is also the bookkeeper, administrator and tax department.
When life gets busy, the paperwork is often the first thing to slip. Missed returns lead to penalties, estimated assessments can overstate what is owed, and catching up gets harder the longer it is left. Getting the records back in order, filing what is outstanding and agreeing a sensible plan with HMRC can bring things back under control. From there, a little planning helps prevent the same problems returning.
Who we work with in Primrose
- 01
Taxi and private hire drivers
- 02
Self-employed carers
- 03
Small shops and takeaways
- 04
Painters, decorators and handymen
- 05
People with employed and self-employed income
Services Primrose clients ask about
A hypothetical case.
Suppose a self-employed taxi driver living in Primrose has not filed returns for two years after a difficult period, and HMRC has issued penalties and an estimated bill. The driver has bank statements and some fuel receipts but no proper records. Priestman & Co. could reconstruct the income and expenses, prepare the outstanding returns and explain the position to HMRC. Where appropriate, we could help ask about a payment arrangement. The driver would then have a clearer picture and a simple routine for the year ahead.
Getting to our Team Valley office
From Primrose, the A194 and A194(M) lead south-west to the A1 and Team Valley, and the A184 through Felling is another route. Jarrow Metro station connects with Gateshead, where buses run to the estate. For a first conversation, a phone call or email is often easiest.
Tax and reporting rules can change. This page offers general information, not advice specific to your circumstances. The example above is illustrative only.
Primrose: common questions
The sooner you act, the better. Outstanding returns can usually be prepared from bank statements and whatever records you have, and filing them may replace any estimates HMRC has made. Penalties and interest may still apply, but they tend to grow the longer things are left. We can help you work through it calmly.
HMRC may agree to let you pay a tax debt in instalments if you cannot pay in full, often called a Time to Pay arrangement. Eligibility depends on the amount, your circumstances and whether returns are up to date. Some arrangements can be set up online. We can help you prepare the figures and approach HMRC.
In some cases, yes. If you had a reasonable excuse for missing a deadline, such as a serious illness or other events outside your control, you may be able to appeal. HMRC decides each case on its facts, and appeals usually need to be made within a time limit. We can help you assess whether an appeal is worth making.