HMRC states agent access is to be removed without AML proof

The next steps to regulate the accountancy profession have started following news that agents who don’t confirm their anti-money laundering (AML) supervision by responding to an HMRC letter could lose access to online HMRC services. 

An HMRC spokesperson explains, “If the business fails to engage with us by not providing the required information, we ultimately need to conclude that they are not supervised and therefore are not compliant with the law.” 

What proof do agents require?  

We advise reaching out directly to your body to determine what confirmation is required, as it will vary between each accountancy body.  

For example, ICAEW members can obtain a letter by contacting amlr@icaew.com, while ACCA members have been instructed to provide their firm’s ACCA ID number alongside their practicing certificate or copy of the firm’s OPBAS levy. 

What happens if agents don’t respond?  

Those who either miss or ignore HMRC’s letter will have their agent portal shut off, significantly hindering their day-to-day activities.  

What’s next? 

Being in the peak of self-assessment season, this news comes as an enormous risk for agents. 

If you’re receiving a letter, I advise that you respond to it ASAP to avoid any delays. 

To ensure you’re up to date, we’ll keep a close eye on developments to see if any other changes or details emerge, which will then be detailed on our main AML page featuring articles, webinars and other AML resources. 

Additionally, to further help with AML, we have anti-money laundering software to keep you compliant.

Eva Mrazikova

Global Head of Product Marketing

Eva Mrazikova is Global Head of Product Marketing at IRIS, where she leads go-to-market strategy, competitive positioning and product marketing across IRIS’ Accountancy and HCM portfolios in the UK and US.

With more than 20 years’ experience spanning product marketing leadership, commercial strategy and technology transformation, Eva brings a rare blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution to complex, multi-product businesses.

A recognised product marketing leader and qualified accountant, she has spent her career at the forefront of digital transformation, helping organisations navigate the shift from legacy platforms to cloud-based, AI-enabled solutions while driving measurable commercial outcomes through market-led strategy.