HMRC pauses some refund claims for agents
Due to security concerns, HMRC has warned that it will not process refund claims made by authorised agents. What’s going on and what alternatives are available?
An increase in fraudulent requests for money to be repaid has led HMRC to stop accepting claims made by phone, even where there is an appropriate authority in place. This includes the agent dedicated line, and the online webchat. Agents are being advised to make a claim via a tax return or through their Agent Services Account. It is currently not clear if, or when, phone requests will start to be accepted again. In addition, HMRC is asking agents to:
- be extra vigilant for phishing scams
- choose strong passwords and to change them regularly; and
- pay close attention to HMRC’s advice regarding account security, particularly in the event of an agent account suspension.
Related Topics
-
Further relaxation of self-assessment thresholds announced
The government has announced changes to the threshold at which some taxpayers need to complete a tax return. What’s the full story?
-
MONTHLY FOCUS: CGT RELIEF FOR SHARE DISPOSALS
Business asset disposal relief is available where businesses are sold, but can also apply to the disposal of company shares and, in some circumstances, assets used by the company. What are the rules?
-
Could HMRC incorrectly withdraw you from annual accounting?
Your business can only use the annual accounting scheme (AAS) if its annual sales are below certain limits. Is there a risk that HMRC could wrongly instruct you to leave and, if so, what can you do about it?
This website uses both its own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and navigation on our website in order to improve its contents (analytical purposes: measure visits and sources of web traffic). The legal basis is the consent of the user, except in the case of basic cookies, which are essential to navigate this website.