Agent Services Account problem

“Sorry we’re having technical difficulties”

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I opened an ASA on 3 August and received a new Government Gateway ID for it and set up a password. Since opening this account I have never been able to log into it, it says “Sorry, we’re experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few minutes”.

However, when I now sign into my normal agent online account, it takes me to an Agent Services dashboard. Is this correct? It seems to me that the accounts have somehow been mixed up but I don’t have all the services I should. There are no “Ask a client to authorise you’” or “Create an authorisation request” links.

Am I going mad and missing something obvious here? If not, has anybody had any experience of this issue? I have been in contact with HMRC, but they don’t have a clue. I’m pulling my hair out here and going around in circles. Any advice, help or telling off greatly appreciated.      

Replies (10)

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By bernard michael
18th Sep 2021 10:08

Contact HMRC online services on 0300 200 3600. They sorted a similar problem for me.

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Replying to bernard michael:
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By Paul Morton
18th Sep 2021 11:16

Thank you Bernard. I've tried emailing them but they were useless. I'll give them a call on Monday.

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Replying to Paul Morton:
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By bernard michael
18th Sep 2021 11:22

Paul Morton wrote:

Thank you Bernard. I've tried emailing them but they were useless. I'll give them a call on Monday.


Good luck
They didn't tell me they had fixed the problem. I only found out 3 days later by trying again
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Replying to bernard michael:
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By Paul Morton
18th Sep 2021 12:12

I'll keep monitoring it. All they say at the moment is keep clearing the browser and don't use autofill :(

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Replying to Paul Morton:
ALISK
By atleastisoundknowledgable...
18th Sep 2021 13:16

Paul Morton wrote:

I'll keep monitoring it. All they say at the moment is keep clearing the browser and don't use autofill :(

I had a logging in issue a while ago and was told multiple times to clear caches and not to use auto filter. I was then asked (in quite a patronising manner) whether I’d typed the password in correctly, to which I said I used a password manager. OMG the operator did not like that. “Can’t use one of those”.
So no browser history, no autofill, no password manger … might as well just click ‘forgotten password’ everytime you want to log in. Although that takes about 20 mins to send you the email link, then another 20 to update the system after you’ve updated your password…

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Replying to atleastisoundknowledgable...:
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By Paul Morton
18th Sep 2021 13:48

Thank you. Yes I was told all of that. I even downloaded a different browser but still got the same issue, it's very odd.

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By atleastisoundknowledgable...
18th Sep 2021 13:25

Dunno why, but I find if I’m swapping from the ‘normal’ to ASA portals or vice-versa, I need to close the internet tab down that had been on HMRC. I can have other windows/tabs open, but the one that I was using has to be closed. It’s the case for me on Chrome, Edge & IE.

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Replying to atleastisoundknowledgable...:
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By Paul Morton
18th Sep 2021 13:50

Thank you. That's very true because when i try and log in to the ASA, and it throws me out, if I then click on the link to the online account I don't have to log in! All very odd

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By alialdabawi
18th Sep 2021 21:01

Where is/have been the OTS?

Simplification of taxes is as much about the administration of taxes as it is about tax law.

Indeed, simplifying the administration of taxes is far easier and more easily achievable, with a minimum level of input.

If the OTS - or government as a whole - cannot even simplify such things, there is no chance that Making Tax Diabolical will go as evisaged by the tunnel-visioned numpties pushing it.

Quick and easy wins first, please.

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By atleastisoundknowledgable...
19th Sep 2021 06:35

alialdabawi wrote:

Where is/have been the OTS?

Probably wfh and/or furloughed.

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