A bureaucrat's life

I have recently sent my company's P35(2002) (Employer's Annual Return) form to the Inland Revenue. Along with this, I sent Form P14(Manual)(2002-03) - in duplicate - making sure that all of my staff (i.e. myself) received a Form P60(2002-03). Penalties would be charged "automatically" if I had been late. I also had to formally confirm to the Collector of Taxes that all company taxes had been paid even though they were already up-to-date. Now, I have to send off the P11D(b)(2003)Man form. Failure to send this on time would render me liable to "automatic" penalties and possible prosecution. Earlier in the year I submitted my Form 363s (Annual Return) to Companies House (with a cheque for £15) and later in the year I shall have to send in my Annual Accounts or face prosecution. I still have the Form CT600(2002)Version 1 to look forward to.

How much simpler life would be if I became a politician:

...the Scottish Socialists have fallen foul of the election watchdog by failing to submit on time their financial returns, detailing their donations.

According to the Electoral Commission, the maximum punishment for this breach is a £5000 fine and a year in jail. However, the Glasgow MSP might not have to pack his toothbrush just yet as the commission looks likely to help out the small political parties, which by law have to spend time and money on filling out all the forms, even though they have no donations to declare.

One would think that with Colin Fox, newly elected MSP, being a qualified accountant, the comrades would be able to keep their paperwork in order. No problem - they won't face the "automatic" penalties that apply to businesspeople:

....a spokeswoman told The Herald so far no party had been prosecuted by the authorities and legal action would only be taken if a party "systematically" breached the rules. She added a letter had gone off to Mr Sheridan, asking him why his party had failed to make a return.

Life's a laugh, isn't it?