Is a client's wet signature required before a TR is submitted

Is a client's wet signature required before a...

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When I signed up for this firm to file client's tax returns on line back in the mid 1990's I agreed not to submit a tax return unless I had a wet signature on the 'Internet Service Return Declaration' page in my posession

I have read on AWeb recently comments which suggest that this may not be necessary now and that an email from our client giving authority to submit the Return is sufficient

Can anybody confirm that this is this indeed the case

Many thanks

Martin

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By ACDWebb
06th Sep 2012 15:59

HMRC do not require you to have a wet signature

just confirmation from the client to submit.

To cover yourself it would seem sensible to at least have something from the client giving "approval to submit the tax return for yyyy showing IR Mark xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx", as the IR Mark is based on entries in the return and changes with any change to those entries, together with a copy of that returns on file

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By James Hellyer
06th Sep 2012 16:29

Either or

I like to have either a signed tax return on file (especially if it's signing a repayment to go into my client accounts), or an e-mail saying "I approve the 20xx self assessment return with the IR Mark xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and I authorise you to file a copy online with HMRC".

 

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Replying to Dick Lloyd:
Image is of a pin up style woman in a red dress with some of her skirt caught in the filing cabinet. She looks surprised.
By Monsoon
06th Sep 2012 16:33

Email

James Hellyer wrote:

I like to have either a signed tax return on file (especially if it's signing a repayment to go into my client accounts), or an e-mail saying "I approve the 20xx self assessment return with the IR Mark xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and I authorise you to file a copy online with HMRC".

 

This is similar to what I have, and have done this for a good few years now.

 

I have now added the caveat "(or with agreed amendments)" after the IRMark because if the software throws an error up at you, meaning you have to make a minor adjustment (and that doesn't affect the tax or main figures) then it will change the IR mark. Or the client might want to opt for paying through tax code, or adding bank details for a refund - This phrase means I don't have to get them to re-authorise it if the amendment is simple. Mostly, this is so I don't annoy the client with yet another annoying copy/paste request email.

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Replying to scalloway:
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By Euan MacLennan
07th Sep 2012 13:41

Better to confirm the tax payable

Monsoon wrote:

I have now added the caveat "(or with agreed amendments)" after the IRMark because if the software throws an error up at you, meaning you have to make a minor adjustment (and that doesn't affect the tax or main figures) then it will change the IR mark. Or the client might want to opt for paying through tax code, or adding bank details for a refund - This phrase means I don't have to get them to re-authorise it if the amendment is simple. Mostly, this is so I don't annoy the client with yet another annoying copy/paste request email.

Doesn't that negate the whole purpose of asking the client to confirm the IR Mark?

We ask the client to confirm that the tax return showing the specified amount of tax payable in Box 1 (refund in Box 2) on page TC1 is correct and complete.  If we then have to amend the payment method, which changes the IR mark, but not the tax due, we are still covered.  It is also easier for the client to understand and draws attention to the tax due.

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