HMRC takes the security of customer information very seriously, and aims to work to the highest standards to ensure the security of its digital services and legitimacy of transactions.

HMRC are constantly working to help protect you, and your clients, and to give you up to date advice and guidance on online security. It’s the responsibility of us all to remain vigilant on digital security. Good cyber security will save everyone involved in tax time and costs – this includes agents, tax professionals, their clients, and HMRC.

A key element of online security is using agent and client online credentials appropriately. The majority of agents have successfully registered for HMRC Online Services and have set up client authorisations online.

It is really important that agents do not login or try to login to HMRC digital services using clients’ credentials. In order to protect all customer accounts, HMRC is using increasingly precise monitoring that will pick up access by agents who have not set up online client authorisation. It is vitally important that you set up correct client authorisation to ensure you have continued online access to your clients’ accounts.

HMRC are continuing to develop digital services for agents through Agent Online Self-Serve (AOSS). AOSS is being developed with input from agents to ensure that services best meet your needs. Keep updated on AOSS via the HMRC Tax Agent Blog.