"In the last couple of weeks I have been told by HMRC staff that I was not authorised to act for 2 different clients. Both clients have been with me for 7 years, and I have never had any problems dealing with their affairs.
After considerable frustration I believe I have the situation resolved thanks to being able to prove that I had been dealing with HMRC for these clients for several years. In one case a copy of the original 64-8 did the trick!
The thing that I find so frustrating is that HMRC is forgetting that they have changed the system for authorisations significantly, and in fact the real problem is that they have failed to transfer the authorisations for agents correctly as new systems have been introduced."
Anyone else experienced similar problems?
Tax does have to be taxing.
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A more usual explanation is that an HMRC Officer is trying to bypass the agent and justify a fishing trip with the client.
ReplyDeleteTrevor Scott
This has been a problem for a long time and I had to deal with many frustrated and angry "agents" because of this. There's nothing devious about it Trevor, just the usual incompetence. The "HMRC Officer" of which you speak is most likely a poorly trained sap who is just as befuddled and bemused by what's going on as everyone else. CALL CENTRES are not an appropriate vehicle for the citizens of the United Kingdom's Tax affairs, it really is that simple.
ReplyDeleteThis instance may not be deliberate, but I have had instances of Officers knowingly avoiding accepting me as agent despite the fact I had been authorised for years and other Officers confirmed I was recorded an agent on the same system. When I saw their letters to the clients I saw straight away that it was to go a fishing.
ReplyDeleteTrevor Scott
But what would be the point of an Inspector going on a fishing trip. Surely both client and agent would tell the same story. The truth. Or am I missing something?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree with 27 August 2010 17:57 I think it would be a good idea for HMRC to concentrate on the work they have rather than looking for more things to do.
ReplyDelete