HMRC online services: What's the difference between adding Agent or Team Member?

[ladymuck]

Ah! I've just found it.

Right, a team member is a lay person you trust to your accounts for you.

An agent has to be a properly qualified person/company and there are strict rules about agents.

Your bestie, that you're trusting your company finances to, is unlikely to be a fully qualified accountant with the proper agency creds so they're a team member.

[DaveB]

No... this is in your HRMC account - you can add an agent (i.e. your accountant)

EDIT: Although the HMRC website doesn't mention team member, so I have no idea where that is coming from:

Appoint someone to deal with HMRC on your behalf - GOV.UK

What LM said.

You can add someone who works for your company as a Team Member that gives them the same access to your HMRC account as you have in order to deal with Tax issues; or you can add a third party such as your accountant, as your Agent, to deal with HMRC on your behalf.

[ladymuck]

What a weird question. You honestly don't know the difference? Are you via an agent for your gig or have you ever been? Are they your team member? If you work in a team at your client are they agents?

I assume you are paying him for this so he's going to be a 3rd party service provider. Nothing to do with agents or team members.

Tip : Drop your friend like a hot potato. Having to ask this question should be reason enough but don't mix your friends with your business. When he screws up and it costs you is he going to cover the losses? I doubt it and it's going to cause long term problems. Get rid.

No... this is in your HRMC account - you can add an agent (i.e. your accountant)

EDIT: Although the HMRC website doesn't mention team member, so I have no idea where that is coming from:

Agent authorisation to deal with HMRC - GOV.UK

[SuperLooper]

Why would you trust your friend with your taxes if he can't even figure this one out?

[northernladuk]

(deleted)

Opened mouth without thinking....again

But still. Don't mix friends and business.

[proudfeet]

I have a PSC, and my friend is doing the taxes. So he will deal with CT and PAYE.

I do not know whether to add him as an agent or team member.

Is there any difference?