Guidance

Change or remove your authorisations as a tax agent

How to change or remove authorisation online or by phone.

You can make most changes to your agent authorisations online or by phone, but some changes must be made in writing.

Changes you can make online

You can use your agent services account and HMRC online services for agents account to make some changes. The services you can makes changes to online are:

  • Self Assessment
  • Corporation Tax
  • Construction Industry Scheme
  • Employment Related Securities for employers
  • Notification of Vehicle Arrivals

The changes you can make are:

  • view, download or update your client list ― this is only available in HMRC online services for agents
  • remove a client that you no longer act for ― you’ll need to do this separately for each online service
  • update your contact details

Once you remove a client from either account, you will not have access to any of their data. Make sure you take copies of anything you’ve submitted online for that client before you remove them from your client list.

If you remove a client, you need to remove them from both your agent services account and HMRC online services account or they may still be able to access your details.

If you want to move clients between client lists

If you want to move clients between client lists, you must get new authorisation from your clients to continue to act on their behalf.

You must first remove your current authorisation then follow the process to get authorised by your client for the new client list.

Changes you can make by phone

You can call the Agent Dedicated Line to make changes to these services:

  • VAT and VAT EU refunds ― only if you’re using your VAT registration number
  • PAYE (Pay As You Earn)
  • Self Assessment

You can use this helpline to let HMRC know:

  • you no longer act for a client
  • about changes to some client details including:
    • their name
    • address
    • telephone number
    • a change of circumstances ― such as a change of marital status or their date of death

You’ll need to answer some security questions to check your identity. You’ll need to give your client’s name and reference number, for example, National Insurance Number or Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).

Published 7 July 2021
Last updated 23 April 2024 + show all updates
  1. 'Changes you can make in writing' has been removed as this is covered by new guidance for 'Updating your tax agent contact details with HMRC'.

  2. The address where you write to let us know about the changes you would like to make in writing has been updated.

  3. Information about the changes you can make in writing has been updated.

  4. If you want to move clients between client lists section added.

  5. First published.