HMRC has launched its first blog for tax agents, which the department says will allow it to provide more immediate updates on digital developments and the switch to 'self serve'.

HMRC's blogger has no picture of the personality behind the words and is identified only as Jenny Cowles, tasked with leading the tax authority's agent strategy.

Introducing the blog, Cowles says the aim is to give tax agents 'interesting and helpful snippets' across a broad spectrum.

The blog will have a focus on joint HMRC and agent consultative meetings, the rollout of HMRC's tax agent strategy, improvements to service delivery through joint working, and services available for agents.

In her first post, Cowles acknowledged that HRMC already has a raft of more formal ways for communicating with agents, including minutes of meetings and Agent Updates, but said these could be 'slow and limited'.

Cowles said: 'We therefore hope to keep you better updated through regular blogging and it will give us a more immediate way of getting your views.'

HMRC's half dozen posts so far have failed to elicit any comments, but the department said it was keen for agents to provide their views on a range of topics.

HMRC's blog for tax agents is available HERE