I have managed to finally register as an agent using HMRC online services.
I have been trying to report a capital gain and have registered the estate. It then appears that the client has to obtain a UTR (also obtained) and then the client has to authorise you to act on their behalf. The instructions that I have sent to the client and also spoke to two HMRC helplines but they were equally vague on what to do.
The letter (which was sent by post - not online - even though I am pretty sure it asked for the pr’s e-mail address) containing the UTR was addressed to the deceased not to the personal representative. I complained that this was insensitive and upsetting to be told that this has been flagged up several times but those on high have made no changes. Is there anyone on the Forum who may be on a committee or otherwise liaise with HMRC to bring this up.
Does anyone know what a client has to do to authorise a firm to be its agent? Has anyone prepared a leaflet (I would be prepared to pay) to give to clients to enable them to authorise their firm as an agent? I feel like there are so many hoops for both ourselves and our poor client to go through - is there an easier way? Is anyone tech savvy that can easily explain the procedure to a dinosaur sole practitioner solicitor?
Claire Flood