HMRC asking for proof of ICAEW AML supervision

Have other members experienced this and what did they accept as proof?

Didn't find your answer?

We have recently been contacted by HMRC asking for proof that we are registered with ICAEW for AML supervision.  We provided them with what we thought was appropriate proof, but this has been rejected as "insufficient", though they haven't told us what they do consider to be sufficient.

They have now given us a "couple of days" to provide the proof or they will close down our agent account and cut off our access to be able to help hundreds of clients.

Has anyone else had this?  If so, what did you find was acceptable "proof"?  It's not like ICAEW gives you a certificate!

So far we've thought of providing them with a copy of our Audit Registration invoice, which shows our "C00" number and a link to our details on the ICAEW "find a firm" website, but is this sufficient??

Any help/suggestions/advice would be gratefully received!

Thanks

Replies (13)

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By Sandnickel
09th Jul 2021 18:38

I'd contact ICAEW for advice.

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By Hugo Fair
09th Jul 2021 18:56

"We have recently been contacted by HMRC asking for proof that we are registered with ICAEW for AML supervision."

So what proof did they provide that they were indeed HMRC?
And how did they contact you (phone, email, letter, ...)?

And I certainly agree with Sandnickel.
ICAEW know whether you're a member and whether you're registered with them for AML ... and presumably have dealt with this kind of query before (if it is genuine).

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By Matrix
09th Jul 2021 19:03

I would get a copy of your practising certificate and AML cover. We pay enough for it. I may ask for proof in case this happens to me, this should be sent as a matter of course but can’t find anything on ICAEW.

Is everyone now just going to set up a new account instead of posting anonymously?!

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Replying to Matrix:
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By Maslins
11th Jul 2021 09:45

Matrix wrote:
Is everyone now just going to set up a new account instead of posting anonymously?!

The inevitable end result of regulars getting annoyed at those using "anonymous"?
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By free-rider
09th Jul 2021 19:57

I recently had a similar issue with HMRC.
They suddenly suspended our SA and CT Agent codes on 10 June without any correspondence or contact from the Agent Maintainer Team. We have been supervised for AML by HMRC for years but moved to CIOT in Nov 2020.

Managed to get my codes reinstated on 14 June after sent all details and complaint to AM Team. The worst thing is that they have re-linked our CT clients back, but have totally ignored SA clients and instead of linking these back to our SA code, HMRC removed us as their Agent completely and sent 300+ clients letters saying that we have ceased trading.

It took me exactly a month (4 complaint letters, letter to MP and then a few other tricks) to get at least 200 clients linked back to SA code (still 100+ clients missing). The worst part is that no-one at AM Team answers to letters or complaints and no-one actually cares or takes responsibility for their errors. Not like I expected more from HMRC.

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Replying to free-rider:
ALISK
By atleastisoundknowledgable...
09th Jul 2021 23:46

Did you manage to retain all 300+ clients, or had some of them already gone elsewhere by the time you’d managed to contact them?

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Replying to atleastisoundknowledgable...:
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By free-rider
10th Jul 2021 11:01

atleastisoundknowledgable... wrote:

Did you manage to retain all 300+ clients, or had some of them already gone elsewhere by the time you’d managed to contact them?

I am lucky to have good relationship with lots of clients and managed to keep everyone other than 4 clients who required TYO for their mortgages and I couldn`t download these as had no access to HMRC system for a month. They are unfortunately gone and I am considering making a claim for a financial redress to HMRC.

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RLI
By lionofludesch
09th Jul 2021 20:05

They didn't want your bank details, did they?

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the sea otter
By memyself-eye
09th Jul 2021 22:04

This is the principal reason I quit/resigned/retired/left the country/fled abroad/joined a monastary/became an MP....(ok not the last one).
I am looking at a letter from HMRC PT operations North East England (I'm in Warwickshire) demanding details about my agent codes to 'update our records'
I will ignore it.
They will suspend my agent codes in 30 days (and counting)

I could not be happier.......

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By free-rider
10th Jul 2021 11:06

Also, to answer the actual OP question.
In my case they were satisfied once I provided them my CIOT AMLS reg number and the copies of AMLS Financing Supervision Registration Answers supported by an email from CIOT confirming that I am registered with them (luckily, I had a compliance video visit from them a week before HMRC suspended my codes so contacted them directly).

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By I'msorryIhaven'taclue
10th Jul 2021 11:20

Why isn't it enough for HMRC to see you / your firm listed on your institute's website under Members in Practice?

Makes you realise that life was a lot better when HMRC's busybody staff were sat at home all day watching tv. No wonder it's taken me many months so far to get them to process a client's s455 refund.

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By Rgab1947
16th Jul 2021 09:51

My understanding is that if registered with a professional body which HMRC accepts for AML supervision that suffices. Again I understand that from the practice and membership number HMRC can check if truly registered with the relevant professional body. Online.

I would check my details at ICAEW

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By Ammie
16th Jul 2021 10:01

Shame HMRC aren't as thorough with more important matters.

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