Following feedback received from agents, HMRC have extended the above pilot until 31 December 2012 and expanded its scope to include agent authorisation and employer work.

The pilot was originally launched in March 2012 to test the benefits of an email channel for agents to contact HMRC. By the end of August, 168 agents had signed up to the pilot – with 82 agents submitting 413 emails.

In direct response to the pattern of emails received, scope of the pilot has been extended to include:

• agent authorisation (e.g. the ability to scan in a signed form 64-8 and email it to HMRC)
• employer work (e.g. notification of a PAYE scheme closing)
• additional topics relating to Self-Assessment and PAYE:
  • capital loss claims
  • loss carry back claims
  • negligible value claims
  • overlap relief/transitional relief/terminal loss
  • income and capital gains during the administration period of an estate
  • statutory instalment arrangements

Readers should note that it is still possible to register interest for the pilot scheme. More information is available at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/ext-email-pilot.htm