Having someone help you

Sometimes you may want someone else to contact HMRC for you. This could be a friend or relative, an advice worker, a colleague or a support worker.

Before HMRC will discuss your affairs with someone else, they need you to confirm that you are happy with this arrangement. Sometimes it is possible to do this informally over the phone. (The member of HMRC staff will want to speak to you directly to confirm who you are and that you are happy for them to discuss you affairs with someone else.)  However, normally this will only be permitted on one occasion; after that, written authority may be required.

Sometimes a simple, informal letter of authorisation, will be acceptable – one which may be posted or faxed. This might take the form:

Dear Sir or Madam

Tax reference number: [give your tax reference here]

This is to advise you that I have asked (give the name and address of the person you have authorised) to help me deal with my tax affairs and I hereby authorise you to speak to them, disclose information about my tax affairs, and correspond with them, on my behalf.

Yours faithfully

(Your name)

A letter like this can allow HMRC to discuss your affairs with someone else. It differs from HMRC’s official form (64-8) because, unlike the 64-8, it does not appoint that person to be your tax agent.

If you have problems authorising someone to speak to HMRC on your behalf, you may contact TaxAid for suggestion for a way forward.