HMRC Agents & Advisers Strategy

Terms of Reference for the Steering Group

1. The Group is a forum through which HMRC and agents & advisers and other interested parties can:

• build on the positive aspects of the existing relationship between HMRC and agents & advisers; and through this
• establish how to realise benefits for taxpayers, agents and HMRC alike in the administration of the tax system.

2. The Steering Group will be responsible for the high level governance of the work and will establish working sub-groups to consider particular issues. Sub-groups are likely to have different membership to that of the Steering Group bringing in appropriate expertise depending on the subject matter.
3. The Group will have a wide remit and will focus initially on (although not limited to) the following areas:

• improved systems for authorisation and identification of agents and advisers
  • to enable HMRC to deliver improved services to agents and their clients
  • to improve recognition within HMRC of agents who perform well (and improve responsiveness in tackling the minority whose activities undermine agents’ professional standing).
• Service improvement by HMRC and prioritising this.
• Development of clearer requirements of taxpayers and agents in fulfilling tax obligations to increase certainty, reduce burdens and ensure cost effectiveness for all parties.
• Progressing work effectively taking into account the wide range of agents & advisers and differences in client base, and the need to prioritise HMRC’s work.

4. Notwithstanding the above, actions falling to HMRC may be subject to Ministerial approval.
5. To ensure that the Group represents the range of views appropriate to the work schedule there will be a periodic review of its membership.