New guidance introduces the concept of using multiple agents to manage your MTD account. The guidance outlines the role of a “main” agent and that of “supporting” agents, where different agents are used to complete different functions. For example, a bookkeeper may be used to complete quarterly updates whilst a separate tax advisor finalises the year end position and submits the self-assessment return. In this example, the bookkeeper is a supporting agent, and the tax advisor is the main agent.

HMRC has prepared a useful table to show what a main agent can do, which is almost everything, and what a supporting agent can do. The supporting agent’s access is limited to the sole trade and property businesses, such that they cannot see details of non-business income. It isn’t necessary to have multiple agents to manage MTD, but the option is there for those who need it.