Agent Update April 2008 issue five - HMRC Service

Contacting HMRC

Guide on ‘How To Contact HMRC’
For those who have not previously seen the guide, this is available on the Tax Agents and Advisers pages and provides advice on the best ways to contact us.

Cross tax

New information on extension of clearances
From April 2008 we will be changing the way we implement clearances, including how clearance applications should be submitted and the supporting documentation required. Important information for agents representing businesses can be found here. Read an overview of Extensions; Guidance notes and a background to Extensions.

Government’s approach to compliance set out (PDF 282K)
View the latest information on the principles we have developed to facilitate compliance, released as part of Chancellor’s 12 March 2008 Budget.

Customer Relations Managers

Customer Relations Managers service for Agents to be extended
Following HMRC’s pilot project, our Customer Relations Managers (CRM) service is being extended to cover all Agents in Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Northumbria and Liverpool. This means that if you work in one of these areas, you’ll be able to access a dedicated CRM, irrespective of where your clients’ tax records are held.

HMRC website

New services for Tax Agents and Advisers
The HMRC website is being updated to make it easier for you to find the services you need. Services will include new ‘Find a Form’ and ‘Find a Contact’ functions. Look out for the new and improved website coming soon and view more information about the changes here.

Inheritance Tax (IHT)

IHT proposals announced
View details of the proposals contained in the Budget in the April 2008 edition of IHT & Trusts Newsletter. Also included is the latest practical advice when claiming the transfer of unused nil rate band.

Online service availability

Find out about online service availability
Get the latest updates on services issues and view our recommendations on what to do if this affects you.

Pension Schemes

Change of phone number for Pension Schemes Services Helpline
The Pension Schemes Services Helpline number has changed to 0845 600 2622. The new number is part of a series of improvements we are making to the service.

PAYE

Employer Bulletin issue 29
Includes helpful and up-to-date articles about completing returns, online filing and other payroll information.

Reducing admin burdens

Improving the Small Medium Enterprises (SME) customer experience of HMRC (PDF 99K)
View an update on our progress towards reducing administrative burdens for Tax Agents and SME businesses.

Working Together

View the latest publication, including details on a new team dedicated to improving our service to you
A new HMRC Agent and Employer Service Improvement team has been formed, looking specifically at how we work with Tax Agents. Find out more about their work in the latest issue of Working Together.

What’s New
View the latest Agent-related issues including an update on HMRC’s office reorganisation.

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