Setting yourself up as an online VAT agent
Note: you must be VAT registered already otherwise “no can do”.
- From http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ click ‘VAT Online’ (from the bottom of the list in the green box on the left-hand side).
- Select the link ‘Registration process for new users’
- Select ‘Agent’
- Tick the box labelled ‘VAT for Agents’, click ‘Next’
- Follow the on-screen instructions to obtain User ID and Password and enrol for the 'VAT for Agents' service.
You will create your own password and be given a User ID to log on to the website with. You will also create a Gateway Agent ID.
Within 7 days of enrolment you will also receive an Activation Code by post to finalise your VAT for Agents enrolment. This completes the Agent’s part in the enrolment.
Getting your client to appoint you as VAT agent
Note: your client must be VAT registered already otherwise “no can do”.
- From http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ click ‘VAT Online’ (from the bottom of the list in the green box on the left-hand side).
- Select the link ‘Registration process for new users’
- Selection ‘Individual’ or ‘Organisation’,
- Select ‘VAT’.
The applicant will be given their own User ID and Password, but unlike the Agent do not require an Activation Code to use the online returns service.
The Agent can then be appointed immediately, as follows:
- Go to http://www.gateway.gov.uk/
- Select ‘Enter the Government Gateway’
- Login with the Client’s User ID and Password
- Select ‘Manage Services’ on the left-hand side
- Select ‘Appoint an Agent’. The system will then ask for the Agent’s Gateway Agent ID. Once confirmed the allocation is complete.
The Agent will now be able to submit for the client through ‘VAT Online’ on the HMRC website, using their Agent account.
Related content: Guide for taxpayers (how to set yourself up to file online)
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