I've completed a job for a client, I applied for and received a HMRC login. The person (employee) who's taken on the job has asked me for my HMRC login because they've not yet received their own. The VAT quarter ends 31 October so there's no urgency to submit the return. I'm just concerned that my login is an "electronic signature" and should there be any reason to question the return that my name's on the document(s). I'm not ken on handing this over, anyone had experience with this?
Replies (13)
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Your login or client login?
I know some accountants set up their clients with their own HMRC login. If this is the case, then these details could be passed onto the new accountant.
If it is your own practice login, then there is no way you should agree to this.
I'm confused?
Is the person (employee) your client?
Which login do you have? The agent login, or the client login?
OK
Just tell them you use your agent login, and do not have a client login.
They may have assumed you use the client login, and I am sure they will not expect you to handover your agent login.
Tell them you can't give it to them as it's your Agent authorisation and is used for other clients too (however true that may be).
Definitely Not
Generally speaking, you should guard your agent login with their life. In the worst case scenario a criminal could use your agent login to file VAT Returns for all your clients with fraudulent rebates paid direct into the crim's bank account.
So tell them to get their own login - or even open a new Gateway account for them. You can get a username and password for filing VAT Returns immediately as long as you know some details about their address and past VAT Returns.
No but
No, you shouldn't pass it on, but you could as a matter of goodwill agree to file one off on an "execution only basis"
Cover yourself in a two way agreement (exchange of email should be fine) with ex client and new agent, and do a very quick sanity check before it goes in.
Would you?
Would you consider issuing your client with a set of keys to your office that houses all your client files, just because you kept their file in it?
Don't ask that!
Would you consider issuing your client with a set of keys to your office that houses all your client files, just because you kept their file in it?
I'm sure some of the people who ask questions on here would!
Would you consider issuing your client with a set of keys to your office that houses all your client files, just because you kept their file in it?
I'm sure some of the people who ask questions on here would!
<chuckle>
Have you read this?
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/agents/online/started.htm
"you'll be given a User ID. This will appear on-screen and you must make a note of it and keep it secure."
Keeping it secure would involve not giving it to clients.
log in
if the person is an employee of the client under no circumstances tell him your agent log in as he will be able to access all your other clients.