Agents who advertise as registered or authorised agents of HMRC
HMRC has been made aware that some tax agents use the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) logo to advertise their services; they may also state that their businesses are ‘registered with’ or ‘authorised by’ HMRC. The tax office has confirmed It is unacceptable for any business to do this.
To do so is misleading because it implies that these tax agents and businesses have been in some way endorsed by HMRC when the department does not endorse or approve any business.
Tax agents register with HMRC so that they can deal with the department on behalf of their clients; however, this process is purely so that agents can interact with the department. It’s important to remember that there is no endorsement given by the tax office for being registered as an agent.
HMRC’s name and logo are both protected by crown copyright. HMRC will take legal actions against anyone making such misleading claims. Most tax agents do comply with HMRC’s advertising requirements, but some continue to promote themselves in an inappropriate manner.
