I just called HMRC to get client's P45 info over the phone. Person wouldn't give me details, despite the fact I'm the agent, but insisted on posting it to client - who is not well organised. Is it worth me ringing another day/time to see if someone else is going to be more helpful?
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HMRC policy:
Source : Employers Bulletin 59, 27 June 2017
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agent-update-issue-59
page 9 of 20:
PAYE
Changes to requests by agents for pay and tax details and employment history.
We have seen a growing number of security issues recently, related to requests from agents for their clients’ pay and tax and employment histories through our helplines. These include agents pretending to be their clients, and calling on behalf of clients who have not given the correct permissions.
As a result, we are making changes to the way we supply this confidential data. While we can continue to take requests for this information on our helplines, we can no longer provide the detailed personal information directly to agents over the phone. From 2 May 2017, we will send the requested information directly to the clients, who will then be able to forward it to their agent for the relevant claim to be made or tax return completed.
This security measure will add some time to the process, so as a quicker alternative, please note that clients can access this information through the online service in their Personal Tax Account. They can now view, print and download their pay and tax details for CY and CY-1 in just a few minutes from their Personal Tax Account. They will need their National Insurance number and a recent payslip, P60 or passport to sign-in for the first time.
We are working on a digital facility that will enable agents to access their clients’ details securely online, which is expected to go live later this year.
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Also reported on Aweb in an article by Rebecca Cave, 21 April 2017.
Not really helpful in this instance but I use Taxcalc which now has the link to HMRC API and brings in all employed income into the tax return
Its saves loads of times with clients who are a bit hopeless and cannot provide you with info for P60's etc.
For the the money it worth every penny. I think BTC have a similar facility.
I love it.
It would save a few grey hairs in January with those that have the last minute Harrys who turn up with half the stuff missing.
I'm also a fan of this
It recently enabled me to catch out a client who lied about additional income
Ha Ha nice touch Bernard.
What was his explanation behind that.
Just forgot about the extra job he had?
He was indignant and accused me of prying. He is now one of a growing band of ex-clients, I can't be bothered with. He will probably not do a return and get fined - good
I think all software companies will do it eventually. You might see some doing it when they update their software in April 2018.
Digita have partial integration, inasmuch it will bring employment and P11D info, but not pensions.
The note that I had from Taxfiler when I asked about the HMRC PAYE API link was that "we are working towards the release of the other APIs in the near future although I don't have a date I am sorry to say."...so it's on the cards, but possibly not this year