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HMRC puts out authorised agent warning

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23rd Sep 2013
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HMRC has warned tax agents that it is unacceptable to advertise their services by using the HMRC logo or stating that they are registered or authorised by the department.

It is unclear how many websites currently break this rule, but HMRC said it is misleading because it implies that these agents have been endorsed by them.

“HMRC does not approve, accredit or endorse anyone,” a new statement on its website reads, adding that the HMRC name and logo is protected by crown copyright.

The Revenue explains that tax agents must register with HMRC in order to deal with the department on behalf of a client, but that this is a process purely to enable agents to interact with the department. 

In addition, some firms may be registered with HMRC for anti-money laundering purposes.

The statement is tucked away on HMRC’s website, but the issue could be a concern for many accountants who find themselves competing against other firms who make false claims.

The logo warning was brought to the attention of AccountingWEB following its inclusion in the Tax Advice Network's weekly newsletter.

The newsletter advised that accountants could point this out to prospective clients. It added the following advice:

“Once the new client has agreed to appoint you as their agent, you need to get an authorisation with HMRC in place (form 64-8 or online equivalent). However, there is a “catch 22” with taxpayers who are new to self-assessment. You can’t use the online authorisation system, as the new client doesn’t have UTR number. If you submit a paper 64-8 form, that won’t be processed until HMRC has set-up a record for the taxpayer and issued a UTR.

“The solution is to complete the application for self-assessment or notification of self-employment (forms SA1, CWF1, SA400 etc.) and staple that form to the form 64-8, submitting the two together to the HMRC central agent authorisation team (CAAT). A specialist team within CAAT should deal with those forms together.

“As an insurance against loss of forms in the system, get the new client to sign several 64-8s so you have a spare form to submit when required,” it said.

HMRC warned that if it becomes aware of misleading claims or advertising, it will take legal action.

An HMRC spokesperson told AccountingWEB that as an independent public body the department does not endorse any particular product, service or agent over another.

“HMRC does not authorise the use of their logo and where any marketing material is found to give the impression of a relationship with or endorsement by the department, the department will take action to address the problem.”

The spokesperson added that they did not have a specific channel to inform them on logo abuse, but the best way would be to use their complaint phone lines.

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Replies (51)

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By johnjenkins
23rd Sep 2013 14:00

With the reputation

HMRC have got I would think that anyone using the HMRC logo would be doing themselves out of business, apart from the scammers offering refunds.

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By The Innkeeper
23rd Sep 2013 14:18

I happen to notice

that it now appears to be official HMRC policy to suggest that we have multiple paper 64-8s signed for when they loose them - we have been doing this for ages as a precaution. Perhaps my clients will not look at me as if I am mad now!!!!!

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By mikefleming3028
23rd Sep 2013 17:06

HMRC registration

 

What would be helpful is if any accounting service business that was regulated by HMRC under the Money Laundering rules was required to show their registration number in their letter head and on all correspondence. Same rules for websites.

This would give their customers/clients some comfort as to who to complain to in the event of a problem and it would make it easier for other regulated firms to be able to supply information to them in the event of a change of agent. As for the proposal to have clients sign multiple forms 64-8 on a just in case basis, good grief, what next I wonder!!!

HMRC seem more worried about Logo infringement than discharging their statutory role under POCA.

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Time for change
By Time for change
23rd Sep 2013 17:10

If only these people

HMRC does not approve, accredit or endorse anyone,” a new statement on its website reads, adding that the HMRC name and logo is protected by crown copyright.

were fit and proper to represent Her Majesty.

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Kieran Phelan
By KPEM online
23rd Sep 2013 22:05

64-8
Get clients to sign more so they can lose more and the trees take a hammering too! And they'll take maybe a year to authorise an agent. Agent authorisation counts for nothing of course when dealing with Debt Management within HMRC. I had the pleasure of a lovely call today with a lady who simply repeated herself several times and would not speak to me unless I was making a payment. Bearing in mind I didn't owe the money, and I was trying to obtain a time to pay deal, being an agent was simply a hindrance.

More great stuff for the most uncooperative, inefficient, archaic government body in existence...... Better spending time getting all their systems and all their offices to actually communicate me thinks!

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Replying to gordo:
By Happy Up North Accountant
24th Sep 2013 00:19

Subject field is required, apparently.

sparkey999 wrote:
Get clients to sign more so they can lose more and the trees take a hammering too! And they'll take maybe a year to authorise an agent. Agent authorisation counts for nothing of course when dealing with Debt Management within HMRC. I had the pleasure of a lovely call today with a lady who simply repeated herself several times and would not speak to me unless I was making a payment. Bearing in mind I didn't owe the money, and I was trying to obtain a time to pay deal, being an agent was simply a hindrance. More great stuff for the most uncooperative, inefficient, archaic government body in existence...... Better spending time getting all their systems and all their offices to actually communicate me thinks!

 

I am 100% with you on this one regarding the debt management department.

Sometimes I can get a payment deal for a client who really doesn't deserve one with relative ease. Other times I have a client who, for example, has previously always been paid up on their taxes and has always submitted returns but who, with warning, is forecasting a cash shortfall in the next year. I've literally had one miserable Scottish <insert profanity here> simply say to me "well, she's (my client) earned the money so she should have put it away". Yes, thanks for being thick as <profanity>, what is the point of the debt management office again??????? Oh yes, that's it, to assist payment terms for the genuinely needy!!!

Normally I don't agree with people when they rant about HMRC, I actually don't think that the authorisation process is as bad as you're all saying, but debt management is pure luck of the draw!!!

PS - I'm not anti Scottish by the way, but some of the call centre staff do have that typical warm Scottish charm about them where you get the feeling that were they infront of you they would probably nut you.

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By DAW
24th Sep 2013 13:04

Multiple 64-8's is probably the answer and they need to be sent to all the departments! A colleague of mine phoned  HMRC on behalf of a client, got partial answers then told he had to phone another department which he did within 5 minutes and they refused to speak to him as they claimed there was no 64-8 in place! Unbelievably bad service but unfortunately coming up against this more and more.

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By TS_Ski
24th Sep 2013 14:54

Informing

Should we be informing HMRC of those who continue to flout this rule? If so, where?

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By johnjenkins
25th Sep 2013 10:01

Why HMRC don't just

have a "tick box" system where an agent gets authorisation on-line to deal with whatever. A payroll agency would tick the payroll box. Perhaps a bookkeeper would tick the VAT box. So HMRC would see at a glance what agent was dealing with what task. Tooooooooo simple.

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By Elaine Clark
25th Sep 2013 10:44

“HMRC does not authorise the use of their logo"

Should it be used on this article then? LOL

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By orcharddavies
25th Sep 2013 10:51

hmrc logo

if they are so protective of their logo why don't they stop the spam refund e-mails

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By Shemiltwilliams
25th Sep 2013 11:03

I've just changed "we are

I've just changed "we are registered with HMRC" to "we are registered with government departments"!, - whatever next, get to sorting out those CIS refunds and stop harassing me about due diligence.

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By ralan
25th Sep 2013 11:31

"Authorised"

Who in their right mind wants to be authirised by HMRC.

I find they are mostly stuck up ********* full of their own importance.

When they call us they want us to prove who we are and jump through hoops under "data protection" but when you try to get them to prove who they are they just clam using the same "data protection"  so they are told to write to us and we put the phone down.

It is always one rule for them and another for us, time someone got off their high horse and sorted them out, but then they are probably on a two hour subsidised lunch and thinking what next to put in place to create more hassle.

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By The Black Knight
25th Sep 2013 11:55

Ha ha

What did they expect?

Isn't the HMRC their professional body now?

and they use everyone elses logo.

So do they have to take down the logo otherwise HMRC will get very cross and say its not fair again.

How about a prosecution otherwise we don't believe the law works and they can continue as they like. Carry on bleeting HMRC

How about HMRC approved avoidance schemes with Counsels opinion?

and isn't HMRC approval implied anyway by a lack of enforcement.

Why don't HMRC notice that these firms will have loads and loads of missing tax on their books or would that be intelligent policing and not allowed.

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By pembo
25th Sep 2013 12:00

Who

in their right mind would want to associate themselves with HMRC anyway. Clients generally view them as the enemy within with us as their knights in shining armour wielding our trusty shield in their defence.

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By JaneAlex
25th Sep 2013 13:33

Authorised Agents Warning

As Pembo quite rightly says ~ HMRC are viewed as the enemy. The tax paying public are the hostages of HMRC & we are the negotiators. 
I do include the relevant Agent registration number on all correspondence with my clients. 
In very small font, in the bottom corner I have: Designated Inland Revenue Agent Number: *****
Heaven forbid that any of my clients would think that I am directly linked to such a shambolic & inept organisation!!!

 

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Replying to NEWCASTLE28:
Me!
By nigelburge
25th Sep 2013 14:08

Just as a matter of interest, Jane

JaneAlex wrote:

In very small font, in the bottom corner I have: Designated Inland Revenue Agent Number: *****

Why?

I am just curious since I have never heard of anybody doing that before.

Regards,

Nigel

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By Donald6000
25th Sep 2013 14:25

Hopeless twonks at HMRC

I am in the process of doing some voluntary work to assist one of my poorest clients who is a student. Having not registered for two or three years, I was thinking that my old agent number might be of some use but I rang the agent line and they informed me that I was only dealing with staff who dealt with taxpayer queries; I said I know this - I want to know whether or not my agent ref is valid. He shuffled about on the system and said, no, we have no trace of you. I asked whether my letter to Central Agent Referencing would be answered and he said their turnround is within 3 weeks - I said I would get my MP to send a rocket to them, as this level of service is in no way acceptable.

What I do not like is the attitude - they seem to think they are telling us something and doing us a favour whenever they speak to us. I notice that I was able to get registered as an online PAYE agent in some seconds, although it does take four days for the process to go through in total including the Government Gateway.

The amount of promises they have made to be able to deal with agents properly never materialises. I just think they are a rotten bunch of twonks and I think the service has deteriorated significantly within the last 30 years. I think they need some kind of firework underneath them.

 

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By rkpgreen
25th Sep 2013 14:44

Self mandating is coming

Under the future HMRC Agent Strategy approach, it is proposed that some Agents wil be able to "self-mandate" themselves for new clients.  There will be one new master Agent Reference Number to replace all of the variety of Reference Numbers which many Agents currently have for different heads of tax.

I have seen no mention yet as to whether self-mandating for Income Tax will only apply to SA cases or not.  It will however depend on which category each Agent falls into.  There will be various categories of agents, from unpaid family members to multi-national accountancy firms, and it is proposed that each Agent category will have online access to different levels of permitted actions via HMRC Online.

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By stevebritgimp
25th Sep 2013 17:09

False advertising

Are HMRC allowed to bill things as 'Self Assessment' when tax agents are necessary because people can't understand what they have to do?

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Replying to RossTaylor:
By Donald6000
25th Sep 2013 19:22

Self assessment

Presumably self assessment means anything that will not fit into the other categories. All I need to do is to put a client into a situation whereby they get a revised tax coding' however I need authority to do even that and the only category to encompass that will be self assessment.

As they won't listen to just a 64-8 and they need agent codes presumably the self assessment agents codes will cover coding and repayments.

God awful system in any case.

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By ccassociates
25th Sep 2013 17:25

Backtracking

When we set up some years ago we actually asked if we could use the logo with the words "authorised agent " underneath and we were told by the then "Agent maintainer" that we could. So if they prosecute us I will produce the email. he sent us with their logo in a format that the printer wanted.

Working Together has become a farce HMRC is a joke amongst our community and the cash in hand merchants are growing fast while the "cat is away"

I actually had this telephone call this morning.

ME Hello I have received a letter from you concerning a client but you have neglected to put his name or our ref on the letter, can you tell me who it is for if I give you the NI NO

HMRC what is The NI No

ME xxxxxxx and your ref is xxxxx/xxxxx/xxxx/xxxxx/xxxxx/xxxxx/xxxx/x

HMRC can you give me the customers address

ME I dont know who it is as you have not put a name on it

HMRC I cannot give you this information unless you can give me at least the customers adress

ME but as I said initially you have not put a name or ref on the letter you sent me so I have nothing to identify the client

HMRC You have the NI No cant you tell from that

Me No why should I be able to do that, If I could we wouldnt be having this conversation

HMRC because it is a unique identifier

Me Can I speak to a grown up now please

HMRC I'll get someone to ring you back if you give me your number

Me you should know that from the NI No I just gave you

HMRC How

Me. its a unique identifier which will identify the person and you can find my phone no as the authorised agent

HMRC Ok

You just couldnt make this up could you!

No phone call yet!!

 

 

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Replying to Ken Howard:
By Donald6000
25th Sep 2013 19:17

Answer to previous correspondent

ccassociates wrote:

When we set up some years ago we actually asked if we could use the logo with the words "authorised agent " underneath and we were told by the then "Agent maintainer" that we could. So if they prosecute us I will produce the email. he sent us with their logo in a format that the printer wanted.

Working Together has become a farce HMRC is a joke amongst our community and the cash in hand merchants are growing fast while the "cat is away"

I actually had this telephone call this morning.

ME Hello I have received a letter from you concerning a client but you have neglected to put his name or our ref on the letter, can you tell me who it is for if I give you the NI NO

HMRC what is The NI No

ME xxxxxxx and your ref is xxxxx/xxxxx/xxxx/xxxxx/xxxxx/xxxxx/xxxx/x

HMRC can you give me the customers address

ME I dont know who it is as you have not put a name on it

HMRC I cannot give you this information unless you can give me at least the customers adress

ME but as I said initially you have not put a name or ref on the letter you sent me so I have nothing to identify the client

HMRC You have the NI No cant you tell from that

Me No why should I be able to do that, If I could we wouldnt be having this conversation

HMRC because it is a unique identifier

Me Can I speak to a grown up now please

HMRC I'll get someone to ring you back if you give me your number

Me you should know that from the NI No I just gave you

HMRC How

Me. its a unique identifier which will identify the person and you can find my phone no as the authorised agent

HMRC Ok

You just couldnt make this up could you!

No phone call yet!!

 

 

 

Thank you for that, I did warn that they were dummies, did I not?

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By mydoghasfleas
26th Sep 2013 09:20

14 year old issued with a tax return

My PA's daughter received a self assessment return to complete because she had some untaxed income.  I had helped my PA send a letter to try and prevent this when the income first arose by and HMRC there would be no liability for several years as her daughters income would be substantially less than the personal allowance and she was only 14.

When the return arrived, I told my PA to call from our office then if it got difficult to pass over the call.  HMRC would not deal with my PA because she was not the taxpayer (non-taxpayer).  I explained the duaghter was 14 and consequently any notices served on her were invalid as she could not give receipt being a minor but I could not progress it because HMRC did not have a 64-8 from the taxpayer regardless that she was not of an age to sign a 64-8.  Followed up with a letter, which was acknowledged but the main response was sent to her daughter.  It did not address the issue but simply asked her to complete a 64-8.

Another letter followed for the attention of the officer in charge with the indication that this would go further.  Eventually, the return was cancelled and acknowledged that procedures had been incorrectly operated.  Of course the issue is that the forms are separated from the accompanying post and processed whilst the post is ignored/filed/sent for action by someone who will ignore/file or put on a pile requiring action.

Anyhow, back to the point, I have seen some websites referring to "HMRC regulated" to give the impression the regulation is on the tax work whereas it's only for AML purposes.  So there is nothing incorrect but it is nonetheless misdirecting.

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By The Black Knight
26th Sep 2013 09:38

well aware

mydoghasfleas wrote:

Anyhow, back to the point, I have seen some websites referring to "HMRC regulated" to give the impression the regulation is on the tax work whereas it's only for AML purposes.  So there is nothing incorrect but it is nonetheless misdirecting.

I think those using such wording are well aware of what their intentions were in trying to mislead the public that they were in some way competent or qualified.

 

 

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By johnjenkins
26th Sep 2013 09:52

Licenced to scam

MLR2 007. I wonder how much the number plate would be.

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Time for change
By Time for change
26th Sep 2013 10:38

With all of this going on

I'm seeking practice sponsorship from "Tiazapan"

Goodness, in dealing with HMRC, if you're depressed when you start out, only a few years later and, you're positively suicidal.

What an absolute shower.

On a more serious note though, I went on one of these agent strategy roadshow presentations and I do worry as to how that will turn out (in 2015 they believe) given the past and current track record of HMRC.

It was a particular concern, when one of our number asked to visit the toilet, that they were accompanied by an HMRC employee! Not even trusted to visit the WC! Whatever next?

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By johnjenkins
26th Sep 2013 11:24

I went on one of

those in London. I was full of enthusiasm and thought wow if this comes off a giant step forward. I should've stuck to my first reaction, any good ideas from HMRC go down the pan. I've come to the conclusion that HMRC put out all these ideas and stuff. If the feedback is positive from us, they bin them or make it totally unworkable. If the feedback is negative then they "go for it" and scratch their heads when it backfires on them.

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Replying to moneymanager:
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By The Black Knight
26th Sep 2013 11:53

think you are right there!

johnjenkins wrote:

those in London. I was full of enthusiasm and thought wow if this comes off a giant step forward. I should've stuck to my first reaction, any good ideas from HMRC go down the pan. I've come to the conclusion that HMRC put out all these ideas and stuff. If the feedback is positive from us, they bin them or make it totally unworkable. If the feedback is negative then they "go for it" and scratch their heads when it backfires on them.

Brains in back to front and upside down.

Based on a massive assumption there obviously.

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7om
By Tom 7000
26th Sep 2013 15:02

Iam authorised by...

The Institute of Chartered Accountants....thats like having a bentley

HMRC...thats like having a rollerskate

Dont sweat it

 

Also I could put on my letter head...

Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants

Registered Statutory Auditor

Approved by Hampshire Trading Standards ( bet none of you have that one)

600+ reccomendations on checkaprofessional.com

Member Institute of management

member of the Federation of Small businesses ( lapsed)

Member of the Society of Professional accountants

Registered with HMRC as a tax Agent

25m swimming Certificate

 

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7om
By Tom 7000
26th Sep 2013 15:06

continued..

but I cant now have the HMRC one....

 

...what will I do

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By johnjenkins
26th Sep 2013 15:35

That's because

you're not registered with HMRC as a tax agent.

Your are registered to use the "gateway" and you are registered (via 64-8 or on line) to act as agent on behalf of your client. Unless of course "agent strategy" has looked kindly upon yourself.

You are also not a member of FSB as memebership lapsed.

As you have the 25m swimming certificate (which I also have) you could take up deep sea fishing, diving or sailing (we seem to do well in that).

However my mind seems to be guided by suggesting betting shop.

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By The Black Knight
26th Sep 2013 15:36

misleading information

I agree Tom when it's truthful

It's a question of whether it's misleading or not.

"authorised" implies approved

On a list for inspection and control because you don't belong to a reputable professional body is different.

Really can't see how they can stop "registered" because that's just a fact.

Like you say I'm registered for VAT too, as well as having to pay my other taxes.

 

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By johnjenkins
26th Sep 2013 15:58

Doesn't

"Tax Specialist" sound better than "Tax Agent" While we're on the subject what is a Tax Accountant?

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Replying to atleastisoundknowledgable...:
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By The Black Knight
26th Sep 2013 16:32

used to be an accountant

johnjenkins wrote:

"Tax Specialist" sound better than "Tax Agent" While we're on the subject what is a Tax Accountant?

used to be an accountant.

Until people who didn't do accounts came along and told us how to do things without complicated accounts and that unfathomable double entry [***], let alone accruals, company law and contract law etc etc and all those other accountancy subjects you have a post graduate qualification in and now have to be embarrassed about because someone claims to be a specialist (as in only read one page but knows everything)

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7om
By Tom 7000
26th Sep 2013 16:45

betting shop

Its warm in there and I won't drown and I can hang my certificate (s) on the wall

 

You're wasted you should be a careers advisor

 

Tom

Turf Accountant and  Tax Advisor

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By Anita Houlson
26th Sep 2013 22:19

'Rougue' Tax Advisors

HMRC sets the rules,tax advisors administer the rules,yet cannot associate themselves with their 'mentor'.Crazy!!!!! As to who would want to be associated with HMRC depends on your involvement with the employees, I have met the 'bad' and the 'gracious',but are you all aware that HMRC plans to monitor 'rouge tax advisors'. Better get the 'rules' right,'cause they are watching.Having been badly let down in the past by accountants, I do see both sides, but if you are committed to 'good service', get together and fight back,don't let HMRC have it all their own way. HMRC plays on an uneven, playing field, possibly due to the lack of staff training or the beligerence of individuals, but as the saying goes,' thebigger they are------------------fall.

As someone committed to change within HMRC I do love your comments,ranting is good, positive action even better.How about every accountant / tax advisor uses the logo, they can't take legal action against you all !!!!!!!!!!!   

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Replying to johnjenkins:
By ccassociates
27th Sep 2013 09:45

Rules.

Anita Houlson wrote:

HMRC sets the rules,tax advisors administer the rules,

And theres me thinking that Government set the rules, HMRC interperet them, The Accountancy world intereperets them properly and Government moan about the loopholes they created. HMRC pretends they are the law, the Courts rule against HMRC and then Government change the rules and the whole mad cycle starts again.

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By the_Poacher
27th Sep 2013 07:24

Ex Inspectors
Another trend I've noticed - former HMRC staff who jumped ship before sitting the Inspector exams or after failing. They then have the temerity to describe themselves as former inspectors. It's all an attempt to mislead

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By johnjenkins
27th Sep 2013 10:51

@ Tom

I had a career moment last week. I have been in the profession for 48 years and have always loved the work (even the investigations). However last week something in my mind just asked "Is it really worth it". The slow deteriation of the profession, financial institutions and HMRC in the quest for "more dosh" added value" etc. etc. has left a bad taste in my mouth. Trust has gone, we don't even believe our Government anymore. Oh hang on, Eric is going to stop CCT cameras snooping on illegally parked cars. Wow.

But this week, back on track. Looking forward to Ed hitting the over £50k earners, watching the NHS going down the pan and thinking that my retirement home is likely to be a small corner in one of Monty Pythons sespits. 

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By Anita Houlson
28th Sep 2013 00:14

Whistleblowers

Now there is a question, who sets the rules?  Government may initiate but HMRC manipulates.Government fails to regulate properly and consequently HMRC has the status of a demi-God.So why isn't anyone doing anything about it? You can't use the logo, you can't do this or that!

You are all reliant on your professional bodies to relay said rules so why are they not asking for a higher standard from HMRC?

Standards have dropped and as always that relates to the top rung of the ladder. The accountancy world can only interperet the rules they are told about, and where honesty prevails.

I read a really interesting article recently where it suggested there should be whistleblowers employed in the banking industry. Imagine introducing such a scheme into HMRC. Just think, the banking industry may not have collapsed, would we have a fairer and much more appreciated system and a higher regard for those entrusted with the collection of our taxes if such a system was employed within the HMRC?Just putting the thought out there! 

Would standards improve, would we all  be happy paying our dues and would those employed in tax collection/ accountancy be able to say 'I love my job?'

Would we then be proud of their logo?Just getting back to the original point.

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By jackmacdonald
29th Sep 2013 12:11

HMRC
Glad to have logged in and read all these comments re HMRC. It's not just me then. Had a discussion with HMRC inspector recently, seemingly they are having problems getting technical advice etc within their own organisation. I said they should get in R2D2 to assist as I believe he is coming back to UK for next Star Wars film. Do you think they will take my advice?

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By Anita Houlson
01st Oct 2013 11:56

Behind the scenes at HMRC

Loving the comment from jackmacdonald. I am awaiting a reply from the Parliamentary Ombudsman ref; Inland Revenue/HMRC. I have fought consistently for justice for twenty years for my husband who was declared bankrupt at the instigation of the Inland Revenue.We have had numerous conversations with staff who are under enormous pressure to deliver 'the goods' even when staff numbers have been reduced. However the standards that are expected in industry do not prevail in HMRC and what I have uncovered is lack of understanding or empathy for those who ultimately pay their wages.The problems lie in the 'heirarchy'and as with the banks I fear that it will take a similar 'problem to emerge' to shake HMRC into action. I am trying to achieve this 'shake up'.Watch this space I may need support!

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By johnjenkins
01st Oct 2013 12:37

@Anita Unfortunately the

PO will only act if HMRC have not followed the correct proceedures. If they find they haven't they will then shunt it back to the Adjudicator. So the process starts again.

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Replying to sosleepy:
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By Anita Houlson
02nd Oct 2013 10:22

Disagreeing with HMRC

[quote=johnjenkins]

PO will only act if HMRC have not followed the correct proceedures. If they find they haven't they will then shunt it back to the Adjudicator. So the process starts again.

Under normal circumstances if you disagree with the decision of the PO you have to be prepared to request a judicial review which costs! However it is regarded that the decision of the PO is final and it is rarely challenged. So what do you do if you believe that the Inland Revenue/HMRC has made an administrative error,give up, because you cannot win? Having sought barrister's advice I took the decision to consider a class action against HMRC. Recent investigation suggests  that perhaps a public enquiry is necessary,so that will be discussed with our MP. They have tried the 'shunt' tactic.That didn't work. I resubmitted the case by referring it for a second time to my MP. Whilst they did not find in my favour, again, this time they will re-open the investigation if they believe that it is necessary. There is a gap in HMRC knowledge that can only be 'closed' by infomation from accountants and their clients which means that I will have to maximise publicity to the full. The only question remaining is whether 'ours' was an isolated case or whether this is HMRC's very own 'PPI' 

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By The Black Knight
02nd Oct 2013 10:52

think we need some more information Anita

I think we need some more information Anita to make sense of this.

Why was your husband made bankrupt? Was he not bankrupt? Was the HMRC bill due? or a determination and why was this not contested at the time? Did it go to appeal? Did it follow an investigation?

What did your accountant do/say at the time? I think you mentioned earlier that you were not over enamoured with accountants.

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Jennifer Adams
By Jennifer Adams
02nd Oct 2013 13:22

Had to tell you this...

Secretary had a phone call last week; person asked for me by name and said that they were ringing about a client of mine (no names given). Secretary said that I was at the other office that day but could she help.

Told no - could only speak to me personally but they left a phone number for me to ring back.

I checked the number on Google and it was the HMRC liquidation dept.

I rang - intrigued / worried. All my clients are good souls and if in any trouble financially it has been drummed into them to come to me first.

So I rang - got someone other than the actual person who originally rang.

Me: I am ringing in response to your call. What do you want?

HMRC:  please give me the UTR and NIC of the client

Me: I don’t know - you haven’t told me who you are ringing about.

HMRC: I cant speak to you unless you give me the clients references.

Me: I’ve no idea! Cant you give me at least a name?

Couple of days later.... another call from HMRC - same number.  Wanting same info before they would speak to me.

What a waste of time. I spent the rest of the pm looking at each clients file on HMRC site just to see who might be having problems but haven’t told me.... nothing....still worried.

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By johnjenkins
02nd Oct 2013 13:42

@Anita

We had similar issue with client. Costs prohibited going all the way. The problem is if HMRC are legally right, then the only way to get anything re-opened is by tribunal. We were lucky (only taxwise) in as much all the tooing and froing made my client ill. Eventually the "last team" decided that they would suspend collection instead of going for bankruptcy. I don't think you will have any luck with MP's. We tried that and was told if it's legal it's "right" obviously if in their favour.

You might want to look at a webb site called www.martynarthur.com.

One thing is for sure HMRC only believe in "right" if it's in their favour.

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By stevebritgimp
03rd Oct 2013 12:17

Bona fides

If HMRC ring you, make sure you ask them for the correct client reference, addresses, date of birth, etc.

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Replying to andy.partridge:
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By Paula Sparrow
14th Oct 2013 14:15

but

stevebritgimp wrote:

If HMRC ring you, make sure you ask them for the correct client reference, addresses, date of birth, etc.

Which they will not give you if you cannot pass their clearance questions, which involves telling them, name, address, date of birth....

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