Have HMRC suddenly flipped a switch on 2 step verification? Our self assessment tax software (BTC) can no longer download prepop information from HMRC without logging in using our agent log in and then 2 step verification involving an authorisation code sent to a mobile phone number. Looks like this started beginning of October. Problem is that the whole firm uses same log in password - ie we all log in as the person who set the agent account up who has since left. Looks like we will now need to replace him as lead/administrator and then set up each person who needs access as a delegate with their own personal log in using their own phone number. We are still accessing the Gateway account OK but losing the prepop facility in tax return season is a serious handicap. Anyone else having this problem? Is it likely to impact other areas? I've looked online for guidance but that mostly seems to date back to 2017 when HMRC apparently made an announcement. All I've managed to find on HMRC is a brief piece on the HMRC Developer Hub.
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On Tax Calc you just have to re-authorise, every 18 month or so and then it works for everyone.
You just need to set up another person to authorise, they will need ID
That's a point, is what the Op is being asked for is just a re-authorisation for another 18 months?
Yes it does say that the re-authorisation will then last for 18 months but it is not clear whether this will apply for all clients or just this individual client.
I am not aware that we had to go through this 2 step process 18 months ago - if we count 18 months back from the beginning of this October we get to beginning April 2020 when the office was closed, I had covid and the world was in lockdown.
If sorting one client will sort all clients for the next 18 months that is not too bad but if we have to re-authorise circa 1,000 clients it could be pretty painful.
You should find it's for all clients, it's meant to be just a repeat of the initial authorisation.