I recently wrote to the professional bodies and subscribers to our agent email service to remind them about new security measures for business customers enrolled in Self Assessment only.
The 2 Step Verification (2SV) service links a customer's phone with their Tax Account login details. When they login, HMRC will send them a text or automated message. The message contains a code they need to access their Tax Account.
Linking a phone to the Tax Account makes unauthorised access far less likely. Many banks and email services already use this security measure.
Customers should follow the on-screen steps and make sure they have their mobile or landline phone to hand when they login.
This is another step to protect our customers and increase awareness of cyber risks. At this stage we are not introducing 2SV for agents or other helpers. We are looking to implement 2SV for Self Assessment customers who are also in other tax regimes. I will keep you updated as these plans develop through my blog, agent update and agent emails.
