I am only going to start doing bookkeeping but i cant seem to get an agent code. Because i am not qualifed ACCA i am half way through my exams. I want to register clients for self assessment but not sure what the procedures are.
I have few clients that want me to register them for sole traders and to do their bookkeeping.
I got an agent code before I finished my AAT exams so unless it's changed you should be able to do so. I can't remember exactly what I did but I found the forms on the HMRC website and filled them in. Where are you getting stuck with getting one?
The text below is from the HMRC website. It doesn't say you have to be qualified. Did they actually say you have to be? Are you registered with HMRC for money laundering? I did that in my first year before I finished my AAT exams.
How to get an agent code
Before you can set up agent authorisation you must have an agent code. To get a code you need to register as an agent for Self Assessment in writing.
Youll have to give the following information in your application:
full name
trading name (if different)
address that your activities are carried out from (this cant be a PO Box address)
telephone number
email address
supervisor for the purposes of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 - details of Professional Body membership or HMRC Anti Money Laundering Supervision registration number
Self Assessment or company Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number
details of which taxes you plan to deal with as you may need a separate agent code for each tax
Your application will be rejected if you dont provide this information, or if HMRC isnt satisfied with the information you provide. HMRC will tell you if your application has been successful within 28 days and send you a Self Assessment agent code to set up your online service.
It sounds as though you are going beyond trial balance.
As a PQ you are only allowed to offer bookkeeping services up to trail balance (plus VAT and Payroll).
No accounts, no advice and no filing.
It doesn't help that some bodies such as ICB allow bookkeepers to offer a full accounting service where accounting qualifications such as ACCA severely restrict what members are allowed to do (refer to ACCA regulation 8).
specifically pages 55 through 57 under the heading : 8. Registered students obligations and rights.
Certainly there is no restriction on a student of the ACCA registering for MLR. The ACCA rules (8.2.j-k) require that you be registered for MLR with HMRC.
On tthe MLR charges thats a £100 appplication fee plus £110 for each premises that you are registering so at a minimum thats £210.
good luck with your new venture but just remember to stay within the remit of regulation 8 as the last thing that you need is to lose your student membership when you have put so much effort into getting as far as you have already. (plus they charge you £1200 to throw you out!).
kindest regards,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Just in case you are still unclear - you CANNOT do Self assessments. ONLY bookkeeping to Trial Balance, due to regulation 8. Unless of course you stop doing ACCA and resign your membership!
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Hi! It sounds like youre navigating a challenging situation. While you're working on your ACCA exams, you might want to check resources like Oceanofpdf for helpful materials on bookkeeping and self-assessment registration. Best of luck with your clients!
