HMRC has released details of estimated end-to-end turnaround times for processing agent authorisations for Self Assessment (SA).

End-to-end turnaround time refers to the time that should be allowed for an authorisation/application to become effective from the time the application is submitted (online or by post) to HMRC.

Agents need to take note of these turnaround times to ensure that their authorisation is effective before the online SA filing deadline of 31 January 2014.

The turnaround times for online and paper (Form 64/8) agent authorisations are two weeks and five weeks respectively, and six weeks for SA registrations (including those accompanying form 64-8).

HMRC recommends that online applications for agent authorisation be made by 15 January and form 64-8 applications by 23 December. Applications for SA registration should be posted by 20 December.

More details are available from HMRC