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HMRC has also today (1 April 2013) introduced a new regime designed to tackle dishonest conduct by tax agents.

This new legislation authorises HMRC to

• Investigate apparent dishonest conduct
• Charge civil penalties of between £5,000 and £50,000
• Make a report to the relevant professional body/ies, where appropriate
• Publish Agents’ details if the penalty imposed exceeds £5,000

Note that HMRC is allowed access to the tax agent’s files

There are safeguards:

• A Tribunal must approve a request to access the agent’s files
• Rights of appeal in some cases – but NOT against a decision to publish agents’ details
• Key decisions must be authorised at “a senior level”

Please see Dishonest Conduct by Tax Agents for further information.