Raising standards in the tax advice market: strengthening the regulatory framework and improving registration
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
This consultation has concluded, and we would like to thank those who provided written responses and attended roundtables.
Consultation respondents were strongly in favour of the proposal to mandate the registration of tax advisers who wish to interact with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on behalf of their clients. The government will therefore invest in modernising HMRC’s tax adviser registration services and from April 2026, all tax advisers who interact with HMRC on behalf of a client will have to register with HMRC before doing so.
Responses to the consultation were generally supportive of further government intervention in the tax advice market in order to raise standards. However, responses varied when it came to the exact action which should be taken. The government will take on board the opinions and concerns shared in this consultation and will continue to work closely with the sector to consider options to strengthen the regulatory framework for tax advisers.
The government will also implement more targeted reforms. It will consult on measures to enhance HMRC’s ability to act against a tax adviser where the adviser facilitates a taxpayer’s non-compliance. HMRC will also introduce a requirement for tax advisers to obtain an Advanced Electronic Signature from their client if they wish to submit an income tax repayment claim on their behalf.
Original consultation
Consultation description
This consultation explores options to raise standards in the tax advice market and will be of interest to tax practitioners (providers of tax advice and services), their clients or potential clients and tax and accountancy professional and regulatory bodies.
The consultation seeks views on possible approaches, impacts and design features of those options.
Documents
Updates to this page
Last updated 30 October 2024 + show all updates
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Updated to include the summary of consultation responses.
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First published.