Good tax agents, third parties paid by taxpayers to act on their behalf in their dealings with HM Revenue & Customs, help their clients get their tax right. But, self-assessed income tax returns filed by customers represented by agents are more likely to have under-declarations of tax (resulting from error, failure to take reasonable care or evasion) than returns filed by non-represented taxpayers. A key reason may be that the tax affairs agents deal with are more complex. However, analysis indicates that paying for professional help is not without risk for a taxpayer and that there might be an opportunity for HMRC to increase tax revenues by providing better support to tax agents and by better targeting of poorer ones. A three per cent reduction in the average amount of tax under-declared by represented taxpayers could lead to over £100 million extra revenue each year. At present, lack of data on individual tax agents prevents the Department's taking a tailored approach to its dealings with agents and providing feedback on performance. With better use of data, HMRC could make more targeted interventions based on risk and achieve greater value for money. HMRC has recognised the importance of developing its relationship with tax agents and has taken steps to work more effectively with this group. Initiatives have included the introduction of a priority telephone line for agents' queries on self-assessed income tax and PAYE. The Department has also encouraged tax agents to file tax returns online.

The main issue that tax practitioners face is how to grow and promote their practices. In talking with tax professionals, their questions are always the same:#13; #13; "How do I build up my client base?"#13; "Are engagement letters really necessary?"#13; "How do I encourage more client referrals?"#13; "How much should I charge for services?"#13; "How do I fire a bad client?"#13; #13; This book offers real answers to all of these burning questions. #13; #13; You will read multiple interviews with established, highly profitable EAs. You will hear how other EAs keep their practices profitable and keep clients (and money) rolling in. This book covers:#13; 1. Marketing techniques for enrolled agents#13; 2. How to use the internet and social networking to boost your community profile#13; 3. How to find profitable IRS representation cases#13; 4. How to avoid deadbeat clients#13; 5. How to get lucrative referrals from other professionals#13; #13; And much more!#13; If you have the tax knowledge and a desire to succeed in this business, this book will help you realize your own success.

This new publication deals comprehensively with the fundamental changes to the law governing practice as a tax agent that are being introduced by the Tax Agent Services Act 2009.

This Forum on Tax Administration study provides inspiration and guidance to revenue bodies wishing to explore the potential for improving outcomes, reducing costs, improving services and generating other benefits by engaging and involving SME taxpayers and stakeholders.