The letter includes a questionnaire to be completed and returned to HMRC. The completed questionnaire must be accompanied by a letter of confirmation from ICAEW, if it is the AML supervisor. The required letter can be obtained by contacting amlr@icaew.com.
The impact on agents, if they do not respond, is serious. If a satisfactory response is not received by HMRC, it does attempt to phone the agent. In the absence of a response, HMRC will block the agent’s account as a next step. The agent can still sign into their agent accounts, but will find that they don’t have access to services (sometimes only some services are blocked).
ICAEW is in discussions with HMRC about improving the process. In the meantime, tax agent ICAEW members in practice are advised to keep a look out for such a letter and ensure that they respond.
The Tax Faculty
ICAEW's Tax Faculty is recognised internationally as a leading authority and source of expertise on taxation. The faculty is the voice of tax for ICAEW, responsible for all submissions to the tax authorities. Join the Faculty for expert guidance and support enabling you to provide the best advice on tax to your clients or business.
More support on tax
ICAEW's Tax Faculty provides technical guidance and practical support on tax practice and policy. You can sign up to the Tax Faculty's free enewsletter (TAXwire) which provides weekly updates on developments in tax.
Sign up for TAXwireJoin the Tax Faculty