Every year we send out information for clients to check they've got everything ready. But this creates a lot of information which is quite tedious. However it is important, so here are some items you need to consider. For the same of simplicity, we've assumed you have a 31 March balance date. There are other issues - we've only listed those relevant to our (and most) SME clients. Also, these are just indicative - some require more consideration so please don't just use this as a checklist - it's not intended to be comprehensive.

 

Brief year-end accounting checklist

 

Bad debts - these must be both bad AND physically written off before 31 March.

 

Stock - valuation at lower of cost or market value. Obsolete stock must be disposed of before 31 March.

 

Losses continuity - shareholder must be 49% continuous.

 

Imputations continuity - shareholder must be 66% continuous.

 

Entertainment - if non-deductible expenditure (usually 50%) has not been identified at the time of the transaction, a cumulative adjustment must be made for GST as well as tax-deductible expenses.

 

Fixed assets - review the fixed asset register.

 

FIF's - information is required including market value at year-end.

 

Prepayments - exemptions mean that these can be claimed in many situations. However, the rules differ according to the type of expense.

 

RWT on dividends - must be paid by 20 April.

 

Shareholder salaries - take extra care that salaries reflect contributions to the company.

 

Bonuses - these must be paid within 63 days of the year-end if they are to be claimed in the relevant year.