I have a new VAT client that I am authorised as agent via my new Agent Services Account (where you send the link to the client who can then authorise electronically).
Do I also need to get a 64-8 in place using the old method (where they receive the code in the post)?
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I am not myself sure about this. The ASA and the Agents API (both of which do the same thing) authorise Agents so that the Agents ASA can do MTD functions. Hence the agent can then act on behalf of the client for submitting vat returns and getting information about the status of VAT.
However, this is not as far as I know a generalised agency under common law. Hence there are questions as to what else the agent can do on behalf of the client.
Given that the vast majority of activity relates to the vat APIs it solves the issue for most purposes (which is why I recommend using it as it is much faster than other ways of doing this thing). However, I am still trying to find out the limitations and if anyone has any information on this that would be nice.
I think you just got lucky when you rang hmrc.
From my understanding authorisation in your ASA is authorisation to file, its not authorisation to speak or deal on behalf of. That's what a 64-8 is for.
Similaly you could have a 64-8 in place to deal with matters over the phone but you wouldn't be authorised to file on their behalf.
I always do a 64-8 in addition to any online authorisations. There are often things which HMRC say an online authorisation does not cover. It is very little work to do a 64-8.