Agent Service Account?!

Creating an Agent Service Account

Didn't find your answer?

I've just tried to set up an Agent Service Account in readiness for MTD. I watched the HMRC You Tube video which explains that you can do it all via your existing government portal, 'No need to set up a new Government Gateway account' it proclaims. Then a little later in the same video without any explanation it states 'You might need to set up a new Government Gateway account' - directly contradicting itself.

Contrary to the HMRC video, you cannot set up the Agent Service Account via your exisiting portal, so following a search I found the link to creating a new Agent Service Account and everything started to match up with the HMRC video. But suddenly it announces that I need to set up a new Government Gateway. Why?

I tried ringing the HMRC online help desk. An oxymoron. First time they transferred my call and cut me off. Second time, they told me I should ring the agent dedicated line, so I tried that. Selected option 2 for agents and then option 8 for anything else and that combination simply cuts you off. So I tried the usual agent self assessment team since they are generally pretty helpful. However they told me I needed to ring the HMRC online help desk. So I am none the wiser but a little more frustrated.

Does anyone know why we need to create a new Goverment Gateway contrary to HMRC's own advice? I am loathe to proceed as I have visions of  losing all agent functionality and then been told by HMRC I shouldn't have clicked that button. Deep joy!!

Replies (10)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

avatar
By virtualfd
12th Feb 2019 10:35

I'm experiencing exactly the same issue. Their Online Helpdesk is of no help either!

Thanks (0)
avatar
By GHarr497688
12th Feb 2019 11:20

Ive been having the same problems. HMRC are asking taxpayers is they are ready when clearly they are not ready themselves.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By fiona_howells
12th Feb 2019 11:58

we had the message we needed to set up a new account too and despite emailing the helpdesk are no further forward! it has now been transferred to the too difficult pile!

Thanks (0)
avatar
By djtax
12th Feb 2019 15:32

Re HMRC 'help'lines - I long along renamed them 'unhelp'lines...

Thanks (0)
avatar
By dkaccounant
12th Feb 2019 19:25

We have got as far as setting up an agents account, by having HMRC on the end of the phone . Account set up, no client list will show as each client will be linked to your agency account, VIA your API software. (we use Sage and Quickbooks). Can't see the agent account as yet (so will it appear like magic on 1st april?) as per HMRC webinar guidance....so fingers crossed in june, for the first VAt qtr, what a sham!

Thanks (0)
Replying to dkaccounant:
avatar
By johnhemming
12th Feb 2019 19:48

HMRC are producing some agents API software, but it is
a) Not as far as I know live ... and
b) Quite difficult to find things about even for development purposes.

I think it will be quite good for agents once everything is in place as it will enable an agent to operate a system which talks to HMRC's servers and manages the process of having clients. However, I think we are some way off that at the moment.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By ajj.jones
14th Feb 2019 09:52

I've set up the agent services account
I've linked the clients from our old agent account
all good so far......
log into the new agent services account - NOTHING!
no clients
not event registered for tax services
try and register for tax services - CANT already linked to another account
HMRC online services had no clue what to do
STUMPPED AT THE FIRST HURDLE

Thanks (0)
Replying to ajj.jones:
avatar
By elliesch
05th Apr 2019 18:10

Exactly the same thing is happening to me - its driving me nuts

Thanks (0)
avatar
By Wanderer
14th Feb 2019 10:06

I know people often knock IRIS on here however they have prepared this, what appears to be, useful guide on initial ASA setup.
https://www.iris.co.uk/assets/Uploads/Accountants-in-Practice-Datasheets...
May not address the other hurdles that members are experiencing but at least it helps get us through the first steps.

Thanks (0)
avatar
By estherkovacs
01st May 2019 16:19

Hi Everyone,

I've been having the same issue.

"You cannot use your current Government Gateway account to create an agent services account."

You will need to create a new Government Gateway agent account. You can do this now."

Have you found any solution? I do not want to set up new Government Gateway, we already have one...

Thanks (0)