Agent strategy ‘contains fundamental issues’

Agent strategy 'contains fundamental issues'

CIoT and ATT warn that agent registration must have independent oversight

THE TAX AGENT strategy contains a “significant number of fundamental issues” before it can be implemented, the CIoT has said.

HM Revenue & Customs published its proposals for authorised tax advisors to use the self-serve system, which would allow them greater access to HMRC systems. Enrolled advisors would be able to change PAYE codings and addresses themselves under the scheme.

The initiative has been broadly welcomed by the profession but the CIoT and the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) have warned that members have expressed the need for an independent oversight for the disenrollment and suspending of advisors. The institutes’ response, which received contributions from around 1,500 members, also highlighted the need for effective security systems to guard against criminals and a lack of further burdens on the advisors themselves.

Andrew Meeson, president of the ATT, said: “It needs to be clear who will have access to self-serve: many feel strongly that the unrepresented need some access. And we need reassurance over security of data within HMRC systems if these are opened up to all agents. Until these issues are resolved, no professional agent will want to be a part of the system.”

Anthony Thomas, president of the CIOT, said: “Tax advisors have indicated that they are not interested in the sweetener of self-serve if it is part and parcel of an unpalatable package which will only manifest itself at a later stage.”

Share

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Resources & Whitepapers

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folders and Embrace Metadata
Professional Services

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folders and Embrace Metadata

3y

Why Professional Services Firms Should Ditch Folde...

In the past decade, the professional services industry has transformed significantly. Digital disruptions, increased competition, and changing market ...

View resource
2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professional Services Firms

2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professional Services Firms

3y

2 Vital keys to Remaining Competitive for Professi...

In recent months, professional services firms are facing more pressure than ever to deliver value to clients. Often, clients look at the firms own inf...

View resource
Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine
Accounting Firms

Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine

3y

Turn Accounts Payable into a value-engine

In a world of instant results and automated workloads, the potential for AP to drive insights and transform results is enormous. But, if you’re still ...

View resource
Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021
Making Tax Digital

Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021

3y

Digital Links: A guide to MTD in 2021

The first phase of Making Tax Digital (MTD) saw the requirement for the digital submission of the VAT Return using compliant software. That’s now behi...

View resource