ACCA welcomes HMRC move to require tax agents to belong to professional body

Global accountancy body ACCA has welcomed the step by HMRC to look to only work with tax agents who are members of recognised professional bodies. 

Although ACCA is clear that the proposal would need to be carefully implemented to ensure that taxpayers, agents and Exchequer benefit, the accountancy body has said to not see a spiral of increased cost and non-proportionate regulation. 

Glenn Collins, head of technical and strategic engagement, ACCA UK, said: “The idea of HMRC looking to work only with agents who are members of a recognised professional body has been raised by ACCA over many years. It has long been recognised that HMRC has issues with some agents it deals with who act in an unprofessional manner. This step is designed to deal with this problem.

“While the move would be broadly welcomed by ACCA members it is imperative that this is done in a cost effective manner. Such a move should increase the quality of tax advice which taxpayers receive and provide greater assurance to HMRC.”

HMRC will have to be clear and careful on how it defines a professional body so those with  clear accountability, and public benefit remit backed by clear and transparent standards are included, ACCA added. 

It said that this move could help improve trust and confidence in the tax system, reduce pressure on HMRC services and protect taxpayers. As such, ACCA will work closely with HMRC and other professional bodies to ensure this latest regulatory move is applied “proportionately, fairly and at pace”.

Collins added: “HMRC needs to see that these professional bodies – such as ACCA – appropriately regulate and monitor their members across a range of activities including tax advice.

“Equally importantly taxpayers – both businesses and individuals – must not see an increase in the cost of their tax advice at a time when they are struggling with a sluggish economy and rising costs on many other fronts.”