HMRC to fine 'dishonest' agents?

HMRC to fine 'dishonest' agents?

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From today's Daily Telegraph - and worthy of the Daily Mail - now it seems we are to be responsible not just for our clients fessing up but paying up too

Methinks that soon it will be easier if we just send HMRC one cheque from our (meagre) resources every year for the sum total of all our clients liabilities.

Had to smile at the name of the Baker Tilly director they quoted: Lesley Fidler........ 

Replies (8)

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By merlyn
15th Jan 2013 17:10

Is this what they are talking about ?

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/agents-dc.htm

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David Winch
By David Winch
15th Jan 2013 20:08

Strictly speaking

 . . . it's not a fine, it's a civil penalty.

David

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Time for change
By Time for change
16th Jan 2013 08:28

Strangely, the notice states

It will apply to dishonest conduct on or after 1 April 2013.

What happens to "dishonest conduct" before. Apparently further information is to be issued before 1 April. Leaving it somewhat late, aren't we?

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By User deleted
16th Jan 2013 08:59

Sounds reasonable

If an agent is deliberately on the fiddle they get treated accordingly. What's wrong with that? Haven't read the Telegraph piece but the HMRC bit doesn't sound like they're going after honest accountants with clients who pull a fast one without letting on. More like they're going after crooks regardless of whether they're acting as taxpayers or accountants.

Fewer dodgy accountants = more work for the rest of us

 

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By User deleted
16th Jan 2013 09:21

Agreed, Flash

Accountant or not, qualified or not - act dishonestly and expect to be treated accordingly.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By merlyn
16th Jan 2013 09:29

As it should be

BKD wrote:

Accountant or not, qualified or not - act dishonestly and expect to be treated accordingly.

 

As it should be.

 

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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
16th Jan 2013 14:43

Agreed with  Flash, BKD and Merlyn.

If HMRC want to penalise dishonest accountants, bring it on!

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David Winch
By David Winch
16th Jan 2013 15:10

Dishonesty before 1 April 2013

I do not think HMRC are intending to suggest that you can be dishonest as you like before 1 April and that is OK with them!

Under existing laws dishonest accountants and taxpayers can be subject to criminal prosecution.  But that is a cumbersome process with an uncertain outcome.

Tax agents can also currently be subject to a civil penalty under s99 TMA 1970.  An agent who has been subject to a s99 penalty may then be required to open his files to HMRC under s20A TMA 1970.

As I understand it the proposal is to update both s99 and s20A.

David

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