Sixth issue - June 2008
Introduction
Welcome to the sixth issue of Agent Update. You may remember that, in the last issue, we reported that the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website was being updated. Well, we’re pleased to announce that the new and improved website is now up and running. You’ll find some new services, including ‘Find a Form’ and ‘Find a Contact’ functions, plus the chance to stay up to date with the latest news by subscribing to RSS news feeds.
As ever, we recognise that not all of the topics in this issue will be relevant to you. By scanning the brief introductions to each piece, you should be able to identify your own most relevant ones within a couple of minutes and can then click on the link to view the full information.
If there are any other areas you would like to see covered in future issues, or you have any other suggestions, please let us know by visiting the feedback page and selecting ‘Tax Agents and Advisors section of the Practitioner Zone’ from the list.
Tax
Developments and changes to legislation and allowances relating to UK tax. View the Tax section.
HMRC Service
Changes to services, upcoming HMRC events and guidance. View the HMRC Service section.
Consultations
Online details of consultative forums consolidated. View a full list of current forums and principles under which these operate.
This month’s top articles
New Tax Agents and Advisers web pages live
The Tax Agents and Advisers pages on our website have been revamped,
making them easier to use and quicker at helping you find the information
and advice you need.
Staged launch of new dedicated
phone service for Agents from July
Following a successful trial, we are rolling out a new dedicated phone
service specifically for Agents that replaces the existing general numbers
and Agent priority lines. All our call handlers now have a minimum of
12 months' experience to give you improved support and faster access
to HMRC help and advice.
New e-learning
package to help Agents and taxpayers with new penalties system
An e-learning module which focuses on penalties for tax errors, originally
developed for our staff, is now being made available for Agents and
taxpayers. Read an overview
of the new system (coming into force from 1 April 2009) and how
it works, why the changes have been introduced, new concepts such as
suspending penalties and when the penalties apply.
