Why won't HMRC let me file clients VAT Returns on-line?

Why won't HMRC let me file clients VAT Returns...

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I have several VAT Registered clients, I've been doing VAT Returns for years, I've been in business for years and yet when I try to register as an Agent for VAT so I can file clients VAT Returns on-line they tell me I can't because I'm not VAT Registered myself!

Are HMRC mad? Do they want to increase efficiency or don't they? They need a bloody good kicking if you ask me!
Doug Scott

Replies (7)

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By User deleted
30th May 2007 01:11

HMRC needs IT Funding
Apparently, the VAT Office need further IT funding to allow non-registered accountants to file online. Without this funding it may be 2010 before they reap the benefit of thousands more Returns filed electronically.

Does anyone know why they might need further funding? Would not the savings made make it worthwhile to them?

This matter does not appear on the JVCC Issues log which is a shame because it would be a 'win-win' for both parties.

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Euan's picture
By Euan MacLennan
30th May 2007 10:12

Names of schools
You can register for online VAT return filing by quoting the obvious details plus effective date of registration and the balance due on the last VAT return, but before you use the facility to file a return, you will be asked to set up a direct debit and to give further personal details - names of first and last schools and memorable place, date and name (for which we tend to use place of birth, date of birth and mother's maiden name).

Apparently, the land registry also asks for the names of schools as a means of identification.

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DougScott
By Dougscott
26th May 2007 12:17

Thanks all. We are in fact Company Secretary for most of the clients so I guess we do it that way.

We don't really want authorisation to pay, just authorisation to file on-ine, which we effectively have anyway with the paper returns as we sign them.

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By AnonymousUser
25th May 2007 16:56

use client's login?
would it be improper to use client's login with client's permission?

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By User deleted
25th May 2007 21:04

Customer login
Wouldn't that be the same as forging a signature?

I believe that after an agent has submitted each return online, the client has to log in and authorise the direct debit payment (if that is how they want to pay). would you do that too?

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Euan's picture
By Euan MacLennan
26th May 2007 09:33

Logging on as client
The online process to register for online VAT return submission is not the easiest and so, we undertake it for almost all our clients who want to file online. The trickiest item tends to be the effective date of the original VAT registration, but apart from that, you need several personal details (such as names of first and last schools) which you as the accountant would not normally know, as well as the bank details to set up the direct debit. If the client consents to you doing it for him, he will give you the details, otherwise not. Incidentally, you only have to set up the direct debit once.

Having set up online filing for the client, if they then want us to file their VAT returns for them, we appoint ourselves as agents (we are VAT registered) and use our agent registration to file the client's VAT returns. We have even appointed ourselves as agents for our own VAT returns so that we can do all our online VAT returns from the same place. If you cannot register as an agent for VAT return filing, I see no problem with logging on as each client and doing it for him. It is the same as using a client's authorisation code to file an annual return for his company online at Companies House.

Obviously, you need formal arrangements in place with the client to inform him of the amount of VAT that will be payable before you submit the online VAT return and commit him to the amount to be extracted from his bank account.

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By deanshepherd
29th May 2007 13:06

Names of first and last schools?!
Are you sure?

Seems bizarre to me - never been asked that before when setting clients up.

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