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
-
Free childcare for company owners?
You’re an owner manager and your daughter is due to start nursery. You understand that working parents can get free childcare but a friend said this isn’t available if you only pay yourself dividends. Is this true and what can you do to qualify?
-
CT61
-
Getting the NI on benefits right
Getting the National Insurance (NI) treatment of employee benefits wrong remains a common issue for employers, particularly where the benefits are payrolled. Errors can lead to underpaid NI and potential compliance action. What should you check?