Sarah joined our Biggleswade office in August 1997, meaning that she has now been part of the team for over 25 years! She is a Personal Tax Manager, managing her own portfolio of clients, and has been a member of AAT since April 2002.
She specialises in advising individuals in relation to personal tax issues and in completing self-assessment tax returns, P11D’s and Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) returns, for submission to HM Revenue & Customs.
Q1. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Organised, approachable, and sensible
Q2. Since we are in the middle of ‘summer holiday’ season, if you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I love to stay in the UK for holidays. One place I have yet to visit are the highlands of Scotland. A trip to Loch Ness, perhaps to search for Nessie!
Q3. What one word would you use to describe George Hay?
Diverse
Q4. Your food heaven and food hell are…
There is way too much to choose from for food heaven, but my food hell would be seafood!
Q5. You recently celebrated your 25th year with George Hay! How has your role evolved in that time, and how has the discipline/tax system changed?
25 years has come around really quickly, and so much has changed in that time. I started at George Hay as an accounts trainee, moved into tax and now have my own portfolio of clients. Self-Assessment actually commenced the year that I started at George Hay, but what really has changed is our approach to supporting clients with their SA obligations. So much of what we do is now online compared to 25 years ago, both in our dealings with HMRC and our clients.
Q6. What is it that you enjoy about specialising in personal taxation?
I enjoy reassuring clients who have misgivings about the tax system. Tax is not really that taxing.
Q7. Tell us the top three things we’d find on your bucket list?
- Find time to read all of the books that I own!
- Learn to play the piano
- Go in a hot air balloon
Q8. What are your two top tips for taxpayers in the lead up to Self-Assessment season?
Send your records in early. An early submission does not mean that you will have to pay your tax early but gives you time to plan.
Make sure that you send the correct records. If you are not sure what is needed, ask your advisor.
Q9. If you could try out any other job, for just one day, what would it be?
I would love to work a day as a Librarian!
Q10. What does a typical day for a Tax Manager at George Hay look like?
There is no such thing as a typical day! I can plan a day, but you must be flexible to adapt to changing priorities. Your day can often be dictated by what arrives in the post, a phone call from a client, or a client popping into the office to ask a question or to drop something off.
