HMRC looking to improve tax agent relations

Date: 1st June 2011

Small business owners in the UK could be among those interested in a recent announcement from the government.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced plans designed to improve relations between staff within the department and tax agents around the country.

Changes included in the plans will see HMRC look to gain a better understanding of the tax system from an agent's point of view.

Agents are also set to be rolled onto a database in order to provide additional security against fraud.

Brian Redford, a spokesman for the department, said: 'Tax agents play a vital role in the delivery of the tax system - it could not function without them. HMRC wants to introduce these changes to improve the service we offer, take account of changing customer needs and make the administration of tax in the UK more efficient and consistent.

'We have worked closely with agent representative bodies because we know that they seek the same outcome for the taxpayer as we do - helping all taxpayers meet tax obligations as effectively and efficiently as possible.'