Setting up ClearBooks as my VAT agent for electronic submission - cant find 'manage services'

Problem reported by Graeme Loudain 9 years ago

Hello.

Am trying to set up VAT return for electronic submission. I have done this once before for a different business, but my mind has gone a blank on how I managed it! This is the problem step - where is 'Manage Services' on the Gateway?

"Appointing Clear Books as your VAT and ECSL Agent

In order to give us permission to submit returns for you, you need to appoint us as an agent. This can be done online via the Government Gateway.

Login to the Government Gateway. Click “Manage Services”. Click “Appoint Agent” (to the right of the New VAT Returns service). Enter our Agent ID: clearbooks-XYZABCetc

Thanks

Graeme

5 Replies

Hi Graeme

To authorise an agent, you go to "My account" in the left hand menu and then to authorise agent, however it requires you to download, complete & post a form.

Did you know you can use your own gateway reference & password to submit from CB, that's how all my clients do it? It seems daft but you have to Toggle on "Accountant as agent" but you can use any valid gateway login to then submit the return.

Thank you Paul, you are quite right - that is exactly what I do with my other Clearbooks business. I have simply forgotten this!

Now I cannot find the toggle "Accountant as agent" . Feeling very silly today. Can you give me clue please?

Thanks

Done it - I was on the wrong gateway screen. Doh!

Hi Graeme

Can you tell me which IS the right gateway screen for "toggle Accountant as agent"? I can't find it. HMRC have just changed everything and maybe it's not there any more.

Thanks in advance

My memory fails me again! I have had a look at HMRC and have found this:-

They need to enroll in the service first, then they can appoint you as you as their agent through the Government Gateway. They’ll need to:

Log in to HMRC Online Services and enrol for either ECSL or RCSL - they’ll need to use the VAT registration number for their business to do this. Log in to their Government Gateway account. Go to ‘manage services’. Select ‘Appoint agent’ - your client will need to enter your agent reference number to link their VAT number to your agent online account. HMRC will then post a unique authorisation code to your client. They’ll need to enter this into the service to complete the authorisation.

Once your client has entered the code you should see them in your ECSL or RCSL client list within 24 hours.

Its all in this section:- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-online-services-for-agents#ecsl-and-rcsl-online-services

Graeme

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