HMRC has issued a brief document outlining a set of minimum standards it expects tax agents, accountants and advisers to follow in order to meet basic levels of tax compliance, stressing that HMRC officials must be treated with respect
The rather short document outlines the three key standards HMRC expects from agents, focusing on integrity, professional competence, and due care and professional behaviour.
Under the integrity standard, HMRC streses that agents need 'to be straightforward and honest with HMRC, for example by disclosing all relevant information and by not implying that they are regulated for tax by HMRC'.
In terms of professional competence, HMRC acknowledges that most agents are members of professional bodies that set standards for professional behaviour.
The tax authority says it expects agents to keep correct and up to date knowledge of the areas of tax that they deal with, and work to prevent errors in clients’ tax calculations or claims.
The standard also says that agents should advise clients to take steps to set matters right where they find errors in their tax affairs, and should keep online access credentials safe from unauthorised use at all times.
The professional behaviour standard requires agents to comply fully with tax law and regulations, keep their own tax affairs are correct and up to date, and deal courteously and professionally with HMRC staff.
The standard also says HMRC expects agents to consider the risk to reputation of tax agents, of any arrangements that they advise a client about, such as tax planning schemes.
HMRC: the standard for agents is here
