These headings will enable HMRC to identify the broad content of a letter, decide whether specific technical input is required and allow them to make sure the correspondence reaches the right area of the department. HMRC hopes that introducing these headings will improve processing times. HMRC has identified some commonly used headings and broken them down into primary level and secondary level headings. The primary headings summarise the broad subject of the letter, while the secondary headings can be used where the matter is more specific or requires more technical input.
Read about the pilot encouraging the use of signpost headings on letters that agents send to HMRC about their clients.
UPDATE ON JOINT INITIATIVE ON HMRC SERVICE DELIVERY
15 August 2012
Any tax agents and advisers may be interested in a further update on the joint initiative between HMRC and key stakeholders regarding service delivery.
Tax agents and advisers: an update on the joint initiative on HMRC service delivery
TAX AGENT STRATEGY
22 August 2012
HMRC aims to start a pilot to test the model 'agent view'. The results will be evaluated and reviewed with the professional bodies before any further activity takes place.
HMRC recognises the concerns raised by agents in response to last year's consultation - 'Establishing the future relationship between the tax agent community and HMRC' about proposals for an 'agent view' (bringing information together on agents and their clients) and improving standards. HMRC will now proceed with this work at a slower pace and has made a commitment to the professional agent bodies through the Joint Tax Agent Strategy Steering Group (JTASSG) that there will be full transparency and consultation.
Read 'Establishing the future relationship between the tax agent community and HMRC'
More about the Joint Tax Agent Strategy Steering Group
What the pilot involves An initial model of the 'agent view' has been developed that HMRC plans to test. They will do this by visiting between 80 and 90 agents whose client filing or payment performance isn't what HMRC would normally expect to see. The pilot activity (which HMRC aims to start at the end of August) will focus on Corporation Tax and Self Assessment, and will involve collaborative meetings to discuss and understand what the 'agent view' is telling HMRC. It is not a compliance intervention. This research will help HMRC understand why the data captured on some agents' client portfolios seems a little unusual. Agent Support Officers will approach a controlled sample of agents where client filing or payment rates are significantly below those of similar agents to explore what might be done differently. These officers are experienced Agent Account Managers with extensive knowledge of working with tax agents and dealing with their issues. They also have experience of delivering education and learning packages to agents. Agent Account Managers do not deal with compliance matters and they won't discuss any client-specific
CIPP Policy News Journal
12/04/2013, Page 122 of 362
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