Dealing with HMRC can often feel like navigating a maze. Fortunately, you do not need to manage everything on your own. You can authorise an agent or someone you trust to act on your behalf. This allows them to handle your tax affairs directly with HMRC while you stay in control.
However, you remain legally responsible for your tax affairs when your agent deals with HMRC. If your agent makes an error or misses a deadline, HMRC will contact you, not them. You should always read through and understand the submission before signing off on anything.
Who Can Deal with HMRC for You?
You can authorise either a paid professional, such as an accountant or tax advisor, or a trusted friend or family member to be your agent. Professional agents are usually qualified accountants or tax specialists who meet HMRC’s strict standards. They can manage your tax filings, submit returns and communicate directly with HMRC about your affairs.
Alternatively, you can appoint a trusted helper, which is someone close to you, such as a family member or friend. A trusted helper can access your online Personal Tax Account to review payments, confirm your details and check that everything is accurate. However, they cannot complete or submit any returns for you. This is ideal if you only need someone to double-check your records rather than manage everything.
How to Authorise an Agent
The method you use to authorise an agent depends on your preferences and the type of tax you manage. The most common options include:
Digital Handshake – Your agent sends you a secure email link. Click the link to approve the authorisation online.
Online Authorisation – Your agent submits a request through HMRC’s online system. HMRC then sends you a letter with an authorisation code, which you give to your agent.
Business Tax Account – You can authorise your agent directly through your Business Tax Account for certain taxes, such as Corporation Tax.
You should always make sure the process goes through official HMRC channels. Never share your Government Gateway ID, password or security details with anyone. Legitimate authorisation only takes place through HMRC’s secure systems.
What Your Agent Can Do Once You Authorise Them
Once you authorise your agent, they can manage a wide range of tax-related tasks, including:
- Preparing and submitting your Self Assessment tax return
- Filing Corporation Tax submissions
- Managing PAYE for your employees
- Handling your VAT Returns and payments
- Accessing your Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) records
- Discussing your tax credits or other financial matters with HMRC
Your agent can view your tax information, update your details and communicate with HMRC when necessary. However, you must always review and confirm the accuracy of any information before your agent submits it. HMRC will hold you responsible for your tax affairs, even if someone else acts on your behalf.
Authorising a Trusted Helper
If you do not require professional support, a trusted helper can still provide valuable assistance. A trusted helper can log in to your HMRC online account to verify that your Income Tax, refunds and account details are all correct. But, they cannot complete or submit any returns for you.
To set this up, your chosen helper must register through HMRC’s online service. Once approved, they can securely access your account and help you manage your taxes. This option is perfect if you want a second pair of eyes on your finances without paying for professional advice.
Temporary or Multiple Agents
You may only need help for a short time. If you want assistance completing your Self Assessment but prefer not to grant long-term access, you can call HMRC with that person present. HMRC will confirm your permission during the call.
You can also authorise more than one agent. However, you must authorise each agent separately for the specific taxes they manage. So, you could have one agent handling your VAT while another manages your Corporation Tax.
How to Remove or Change Your Agent
If your circumstances change, you can easily remove or replace your agent. The process depends on how you authorised them:
Digital Handshake Authorisation – Log in to your Business Tax Account, click Manage account, select View agent account history or remove a tax agent, then choose Remove authorisation.
Self Assessment or Company Tax Authorisation – Log in to, go to Manage account, select Add, view or change tax agents, and then click Remove agent.
If your agent manages several taxes, you will need to repeat the steps for each one. Once removed, they will no longer have access to your information.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. While we aim to keep our content up to date and accurate, UK tax laws and regulations are subject to change. Please speak to an accountant or tax professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Pi Accountancy accepts no responsibility for any issues arising from reliance on the information provided.