Getting Clients onto VAT Online

Getting Clients onto VAT Online

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We are registered for VAT Online and register clients that way. However, all of our clients are still on the old paper VAT return system. We've filed 64-8's for each of them hoping that they'd now appear as clients and could file online returns ... but not the case.

Does anyone have any experience in how to get this done?

Thanks,
Graham

Replies (7)

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By songb1rd
03rd Jul 2009 20:05

Simple and straightforward
Hi Graham

Just go to the VAT online pages of the HMRC website, register each client for online VAT (with their permission, of course), separately, ie as if each client were registering themselves. You'll have to use a separate, "uniquely allocated" user ID for each client, but you can choose your own password for each one.

It's good to file clients' VAT Returns online on their behalf, IMHO....

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By User deleted
04th Jul 2009 13:14

Not so simple and straightforward
Among the hoops to jump through are knowing the date your client first registered for VAT and also knowing the value of their last VAT Return. OK, the latter is not so tricky but the the former is a right pain if the client registered many years ago.
Bearing in mind how easy it is to file a client's SATR, why add to the messiness with VAT?
Hey, how about an integrated system whereby a signed 64-8 would automatically provide the agent with access to all online facilities for the client? Nah, too bleedin' obvious for the jailers that one.

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By User deleted
06th Jul 2009 08:50

Be Careful
If an agent/accountant registers as if it was the client, then you need to consider the risk aspects of this - in effect, the agent is pretending to be the taxpayer and if the numbers are wrong who is at fault?.

There is already a procedure for registering the client for online services and then another procedure for that client to assign an agent on their behalf (ie, the agent/accountant).

That way, when the agent files returns, he does so in an agents capacity which removes any uncertainty as to who submitted the returns.

As an aside, agents/accountants need to consider the procedures in place for online filing. With the new penalty regime now in force, mitigation from penalty can include blaming the agent if they advised or acted incorrectly (ie, if wrong vales on VAT return, etc). As accountants, do we really want to get into a battle between HMRC and the taxpayer?. I'd still want to see the client approving all figures/values before the agent submits them with the usual indemnity clause of all figures provided are the taxpayers and any errors are theirs.

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By pauljohnston
06th Jul 2009 17:14

Vat online is a bit difficult
but not impossible.

There is a balance between accepting liabillity and moving with the times.

Firstly the client should register with the Govt Gateway and then approve you as his agent. Some of this you can do on hisbehalf but have the password sent to him and explain what is happening.

Once the Gateway procedure is in place and you are approved his vat data will appear in the HMRC agents section. Prepare the VAT Return in the normal way and send him a copy by email asking for confirmation that you can submit this. If you normally send the comp you can do this at the same time.

I hope this helps. The VAT online help team is very good

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By The Practitioner
06th Jul 2009 20:02

Try The Practitioner
Have a look at the thred in one of my recent bog posts at:
https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/blogs/the_practitioner/practitioners-dia...

As someone else has already said, registering an agent for VAT return filing is a whole lot more complicated than for other taxes. Essentially your client needs a Government Gateway ID and has to register themselves for online VAT Returns. Then they can appoint you.

I filed a 64-8 a month or so ago for a client for whom I want to be able to file VAT Returns - so far nothin has happened. If you client has the relevant online IDs they can appoint you as agent instantly via the Gov Gateway, so my advice is - don't wast time with a 64-8 just for online filing!

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By songb1rd
10th Jul 2009 13:07

A couple of loose ends
In reply to a couple of the points made above:

1 It's no big deal obtaining the info required to register a client for online VAT. Original date of VAT registration (etc) can be easily obtained by phoning the VAT National Advice Service Helpline on 0845 010 9000.
2 The queryist is fortunate in being VAT-registered himself in as much as he can register clients for online VAT. For those, like myself, who are non-VAT registered practitioners, "pretending" to be the client is the only way of doing it....
....until or unless non-VAT registered practitioners will be allowed to register their VAT-registered clients for online VAT (a topic much discussed over the years). Will the rules be relaxed before online VAT filing becomes compulsory?

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By nigel.cummins
24th Jul 2009 11:51

Getting Clients onto VAT Online
Can anyone advise regarding the position of a sole practitioner who is NOT registered for VAT. How does such a person/firm register?

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