Thanks for your reply. May have asked the wrong question as what I need is a Self Assessment Agent Reference Number first and this is where I am struggling as all my searches seem to bring me back to registering for on line services. Any idea on how to get this reference number?
I believe that you have to contact your agent maintainer.
I spent months trying to sort this out and then gave up. Helpdesk claimed that there was something wrong with my agent code, agent maintainer claimed that only the helpdesk could help me, who claimed only agent maintainer could help me.
I know others have successfully sorted this but think the agent maintainer and helpdesk not that great in my area.
If you go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/workingtogether/priority-lines-list.htm you can download a list of revenue phone number, both the general number and the agent dedicated number for your area. If you ring them, they will either connect you to the agent maintainer in your area or give you the direct number to contact them. The agent maintainer will also register you for partnerships and Ltd Companies, if you require it.
Another way to do it is to complete and send off a 64-8 and leave the agent code box empty. HMRC will contact you when they receive the form and set you up as an agent. Doing it this way will delay the process by a couple of days but at least you will be set up as an agent.
I agree with Amy. I spent weeks trying to sory this out, losing my patience along the way as everyone you speak to on the phone refers you to another department who in turn can't help.
Send off a 64-8 as Amy says it really will be the most painless option!
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I agree with the above, getting an agent code should be easy and straight forward but never is! HMRC are nit very, how should I put it, 'user friendly'! However, I have all my agent codes for different areas ie self assessment, Corp tax, etc now, so please persevere all! I had to find the number for my agent maintainer to get my sa code. For Corp tax agent code I got number from hmrc website and they gave me this over the phone.
I have also been struggling with this, I seemed to have the same experience as Alison. A while ago I sent of a 64-8 but I am still waiting to be notified of my agent code. Thise of you who posted your 64-8 off to the HMRC can you tell me where did you post it to and roughly how long did it take for you to get your number.
Finally got time to sit down and try and fumble my way through sorting this out. I decided to try out Peter's suggestion and used the link to the HMRC web page for priority phone numbers. There are two listed for each area one dedicated agents line and one general, so tried the dedicated one first. I was advised to write into my local tax office and given the address. Determined to sort today I then tried the general number - wow what a difference - he put me through to a very nice man who set me up there and then and whilst waiting for the system to sort it out we had a nice bit of banter. He also gave me the telephone for Online assistance to help me get set up for online submissions, she was very pleasant as well and advised me what I need to do.
So all in all I am now ready to get going and feel quite happy as I spoke to a few nice people this morning.
I have managed to sort mine out now, eventually!!! the lady at my local tax office was helpful in this case, she also said business link is a helpful site if you get stuck doing it!
