I missed an R&D grant. Is my accountant to blame?

Author: Aunty B on Print 

Dear Aunty B,

I just learnt from your webinar that last year I could have claimed an R&D grant that would have given me $50,000 in cash back for the development of my website. I have an accountant who I would have expected to tell me this. Isn't it his job to let me know about this stuff? Fifty grand is a lot to me. That is an extra person that I could have put on!

Highly irritated,
WA

 

Dear Highly irritated,

Yes, it is his job. He has failed you. Sack him and find an accountant who specialises in high growth companies and can give you the specialised attention you need.

Tell your new accountant that you expect him or her to be across the issues that affect an SME. Tell them of your experience and ask for testimonials from other customers. You will never regret it.

So many entrepreneurs say to me they started off with the accountant or legal advisor "up the road" and then had to spend significant amounts restructuring. They learnt the hard way to get in good legal and accounting advice early on. Don't take chances.

Good luck,
Your Aunty B

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Comments (1)
kielyml
...
written by kielyml, September 29, 2009
Hang on a bit, that is a big call. Does 'highly irritated' have the sense to have regular business discussion meetings with his accountant and pay for this service or does he use his accountant for annual compliance issues with occasional questions during the year. Did 'highly irritated' even discussed the development of his website with his accountant before he did it, during or after. You only get what you pay for EVEN IF you go to a large accounting firm.

You can also appoint an accounting firm that is all gloss and large fees but who do not even visit your business premises or bother to get an understanding of your business or your business direction and aims. So it is well worth the extra effort to match your business to the business advice package that you need and be prepared to pay for it.

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