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HMRC SURVEY OF PAID AGENTS

25th Mar 2014
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This article first appeared in the AIA Accountancy e-News, for more information click here.

HMRC has commissioned TNS BMRB to carry out a survey to help them gain a better understanding of paid tax agents, how they deal with us and what they expect. The survey will not include agents working in the voluntary sector or on behalf of friends and family. This group will be looked at separately. Agents are key customers of the Department since they help to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with their tax obligations. HMRC therefore want to make sure that they deliver a service that allows them to do their job effectively.

TNS BMRB will initially carry out around 1,700 15-20 minute telephone interviews with randomly selected agents. This will allow detailed questions to be asked in a short space of time. Letters have already been sent out to selected agents and they expect the telephone calls to be made between 10 March and 25 April. The survey results will be anonymous and the details of those who agree to take part will not be shared with HMRC.

Since the last research in 2009 HMRC's plans for digital services have developed significantly and we would like to have a better understanding of the tasks agents undertake on behalf of their clients. The questions are also designed to explore attitudes to HMRC and the appetite and capacity for using digital services when doing business with HMRC. Following evaluation, further interviews and focus groups will be conducted with some of those surveyed if they are prepared to take part in further research, when the issues will be explored in more depth.

This article first appeared in the AIA Accountancy e-News, for more information click here.

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