60-day free trial for accountants & bookkeepersFull access for 60 days · unlimited users, no per-user fees
Checklist · Internal
HMRC Agent Services Account Application: Questions Answered and Checklist
Straight answers to the questions accountants ask most about applying for and using an ASA, plus a free checklist.
Built by a practising Chartered Accountant · Unlimited users · 60-day free trial · Last updated 2 October 2026
Quick answer
To register an HMRC agent services account, put AML supervision in place first, create a Government Gateway user ID for the agent business, then apply on GOV.UK using the business's own UTR and supervision details. A limited company practice needs its own account even if the director already has one as a sole trader. Once approved, copy or request client authorisations for each tax. Always check the current GOV.UK guidance, because HMRC changes the process.
How do I register an ASA account with HMRC?
Arrange AML supervision, create a Government Gateway user ID for the agent business, then apply on GOV.UK with the business's UTR, registered details and supervision number.
HMRC checks the details against its own records, so the business name, address and UTR must match exactly. Keep a note of the user ID and the email used, because the whole firm will rely on this one account.
Do I need a new agent services account for a limited company if I already have one as a sole trader?
Generally yes. An ASA belongs to a legal entity, so a new limited company practice applies with the company's own UTR.
Clients authorised to the sole trader account do not move automatically. Plan to re-request authorisations for the company account and track each one until it is approved. Check HMRC's current guidance on changing business structure.
Why does my ASA say "Action: add anti-money laundering supervision details"?
HMRC needs your current AML supervisor and registration number on the account. Add them under Manage account.
This often appears for accounts created before HMRC began asking for supervision details, or when supervision has changed. Have your supervisor's name, your membership or registration number and the renewal date ready.
Why was my agent services account application rejected?
Common reasons are details that don't match HMRC's records, missing or unverifiable AML supervision, or using the wrong UTR for the business type.
Check the rejection message, correct the mismatch and reapply. If the reason is unclear, contact HMRC's agent dedicated line. Remindoo cannot submit or appeal applications for you.
Why don't our Corporation Tax clients show in the agent services account?
Corporation Tax authorisations held on older agent codes may need copying across or re-requesting before they appear.
Check which clients came across, then request authorisation for the rest. Keep a list of open requests so none are forgotten; Remindoo can hold this as a task per client.
How many accounts, which email and how long does it take?
One ASA per agent business, using a firm email you control long term. Approval times vary, so apply well before you need it.
Avoid a personal email address that leaves with a staff member. Team members get their own access through the account rather than separate ASAs.
Checklist preview
0/4 done · showing 4 of 16 itemsThe full 16-item checklist is in the download below. Enter your name and email to get it as a Word or PDF file.
This is a standard checklist. Each firm's requirements may vary, so please cross-check everything against current GOV.UK, Companies House and professional body guidance before relying on it.
See it working with your own clients
A 30-minute walkthrough using your services, deadlines and templates.
Turn this into a task and subtask template in Remindoo
Save each group as a task with subtasks, attach it to the right service and let recurring tasks create it for every client, every period. Each item gets an owner and a deadline, and nothing depends on someone remembering to print the list. See task and subtask templates.
Client onboarding automation
Standardise requests, checks and first services.
See featureAML risk scoring and digital ID checks
Risk assessments plus built-in digital KYC, AML and proof-of-address checks.
See featureRecurring tasks
Repeat work is created automatically on schedule.
See featureAutomated reminders
Timely prompts before work becomes urgent.
See featureCompanies House sync
Import company details and filing deadlines.
See featureWhat are the common mistakes?
- Applying before AML supervision is in place
- Using a personal UTR for a limited company practice
- Registering with a staff member's personal email
- Assuming sole trader client authorisations move to a new company account
- Not tracking which authorisation requests are still open
“Managing deadlines and tasks is much easier.”
Frequently asked questions
No. You apply directly with HMRC. Remindoo helps you run AML checks, onboard clients and track authorisation requests and deadlines afterwards.
Yes. Remindoo includes digital ID and AML checks, priced per check, alongside client onboarding.
Yes. Download the Word and PDF versions and print or edit them for your practice.
Ready to run a calmer practice?
See Remindoo with your own clients, or start free for 60 days with unlimited users.
Sources
Last updated 2 October 2026. General guidance, not regulatory advice.
Manage this work in Remindoo: Tasks and deadlines in Remindoo, alongside your CRM for accountants.
Why recording every task matters in an accountancy practice
Accounting firms run on deadlines: VAT returns, payroll, confirmation statements, accounts and Self Assessment. Recording every job as a task, with an owner and a date, is the simplest way to make sure nothing is missed.
Avoid penalties
HMRC and Companies House charge penalties for late filing. A task for every deadline, with an internal date before it, gives the team a buffer.
Nothing depends on memory
Recorded tasks mean work continues when someone is off sick, on leave or has left the firm.
Consistent quality
Subtask checklists make every job follow the same steps and reviews, whoever does the work.
Visibility for managers
Filters by owner, status and deadline show at a glance what is late, what is due and who needs help.
Practical tips from UK practice
- Set an internal deadline two to four weeks before every statutory deadline.
- Use recurring tasks for repeat work such as VAT, payroll and bookkeeping.
- Break larger jobs into subtasks, including a review step.
- Comment on the task instead of by email, so the history stays with the work.
Related Remindoo features
Written and reviewed by Annie, Product Lead at Remindoo. Guidance is general; check current GOV.UK and professional body guidance for your firm.
What UK practices say about Remindoo
Read all reviews on Trustpilot“With Remindoo, everything from the first enquiry to onboarding and ongoing client management is tracked in one place… It saves us hours and gives me, as a practice owner, complete visibility of where the firm stands.”
“The biggest benefit is having clients, tasks, deadlines, workflows, proposals and communication all organised in one place.”
“During my trial, the team were absolutely amazing. They helped onboard my clients, set up my settings and made sure everything was ready for me to use… they made the whole process completely stress-free.”
“It brings client information, tasks, recurring deadlines, workflows and reminders together in one place, giving us much better visibility across the team.”
