HMRC authorisation codes Zzzzzzzz

Is it my imagination or is HMRC taking even longer than normal to post out authorisation codes

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The website states 'code issued' but it seems HMRC then sit on it for at least a fortnight. Couple this with typical client ineptitude/holiday/laziness, the code expires and I'm back to square one requesting a new code.

Especially frustrating with PAYE/CIS - who take the longest to issue codes. Twice this year I have had to go back to clients' former accountants begging them to submit another return while I wait for authorisation.

Now, in the last two months, the above just seems to be getting even slower. Grrrrr!

Replies (13)

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By Matrix
27th May 2017 08:30

I thought my clients were just slow at providing the codes but maybe it is HMRC. I can still submit through third party software though. Why is the lack of code preventing you from submitting? I expect you use HMRC for CIS, you can use third party software such as Moneysoft.

Thanks (2)
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By bettybobbymeggie
27th May 2017 08:53

Embarrassed to admit I haven't braved the transition from Basic Payroll Tools but yes for CIS I do that online.

I must confess it never occured to me that I can submit codeless if using third party software. Does it not require ANY form of authority?

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RLI
By lionofludesch
27th May 2017 09:06

I got told on Thursday that HMRC didn't have a 64-8 for me. I've only been acting for the client, his company, its payroll and its VAT for 25 years without a problem but there's nothing on file, apparently.

I did make the direct accusation that they'd lost it but it was err-ummed around.

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the sea otter
By memyself-eye
27th May 2017 10:23

I recently submitted a partnership return using taxfiler without any problem and without any agent authority in place. I haven't found the on line authorisation process particularly slow though.

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By djn24
27th May 2017 11:16

I've noticed this too lately. They used to take say 5 days but since April they have been taking longer than 2 weeks.
Frustrating as I can't submit a tax return with a refund coming to us without the 64-8 in place. If I do i know that it will block the refund being made and just cause hassle.

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By bettybobbymeggie
27th May 2017 11:39

I have been having the same experience and it seems to have slowed suddenly since April, as you say.

That said, it would appear that HMRC's api with third party software is so [***] poor that anybody with an agent ID can file on behalf of anyone they choose. Happy days.

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Replying to bettybobbymeggie:
By Charlie Carne
31st May 2017 11:11

Why is that an indication that the API is poor? If you have the client's PAYE references, you can file the PAYE return. No other ID is required. I'm not sure that you even need agent ID to file PAYE returns.

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Replying to charliecarne:
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By bettybobbymeggie
31st May 2017 11:39

Perhaps I am missing the point, but if literally anyone can submit a PAYE return for anyone with a PAYE scheme in place without some form authorisation process in place I'd consider that system poor.

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Replying to bettybobbymeggie:
By Charlie Carne
01st Jun 2017 10:46

No one but the business owner knows the PAYE Accounts Office Reference (it's not the same as the PAYE Ref printed on P60's etc.) so that's a pretty good form of ID which is submitted with the FPS. And if a fraudster did submit an incorrect FPS return, then it would be revealed when the business owner (or their accountant) submits the real one. So no real harm done beyond a little administrative error to sort out. Why would anyone submit a fraudulent FPS for a company that they weren't involved with? There's no upside for the fraudster and only a minor administrative inconvenience for the company. So this is a potential problem that would arise rarely and be easily solved when it did.

It's no different to any tax submission. If you know someone's UTR, you could submit a tax return for them, whether you've been approved or not. The problem is not proving yourself when submitting info TO HMRC, it's proving yourself when seeking information FROM HMRC.

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By monksview
31st May 2017 10:38

Same with new PAYE references. Used to take a couple of weeks at the most but now seems to be taking a good 4 weeks to come through. Seriously annoying.

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By bendybod
31st May 2017 11:09

Yes, same experience - I had assumed it was a particularly slow client or that he'd lost the code. When it started getting close to the deadline - and I knew we had a VAT return to submit, we requested a new one. Literally a few days before the code was due to expire, the client finally received the original one from HMRC. Again, it seems to have got significantly worse in the last few weeks.

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By Paul FD
31st May 2017 11:25

Yes - just waited two weeks for a PAYE authorisation code. Funny how HMRC can just slow up when they feel like it. I had to delay transferring a scheme because of the delay.

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By KH
31st May 2017 15:58

Yes, and it's even more of a problem if your new client is no longer a UK resident ... HMRC just don't factor in any delays for sending mail to minute island a thousand miles off the US coast ... still, got a few more months till the 31st January deadline ... ...........

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