HMRC Tax Advisor – Yes, no or maybe?

The Finance Act 2026 was passed on 18 March 2026 and with it coming into force, this introduced a new obligation for some solicitors that interact with HMRC on behalf of clients.

Different from the definition under Regulation 11(d) of the MLR2017 of a tax advisor and the registration with your regulator, the clock has started ticking for you to register with HMRC to get an agent services account.

Why us? Under part 7 of the Finance Act, all of those that "interact" with HMRC as part of a service for others must register as a tax advisor.

As registration for an agent service account opened on May 18 2026 time is ticking and you have until August 18 2026 to register.

This session will cover all aspects of the HMRC registration process making it as painless as possible to be compliant.

Who this is for:

This webinar is for firms that interact with HMRC on behalf of clients as part of providing a paid service. As HMRC's new registration requirement is activity-based rather than profession-based, it may apply to solicitors who are effectively acting as tax advisers under HMRC's broad definition.

This includes residential conveyancing solicitors and licensed conveyancers who submit or deal with SDLT returns, private client and probate practitioners handling inheritance tax matters, tax litigation and tax advisory teams, and corporate or commercial solicitors providing tax-related advice to clients.

Level of expertise:

Basic – no previous knowledge required

CPD hours:

This webinar provides you with 1 hour of learning.

Attendees will receive a CPD certificate upon completion of this course.

Learning objectives:

• The legislation behind it all – Finance Act 2026
• Why we need to register with HMRC
• Who needs to register with HMRC
• Is it the firm that registers or individuals?
• What is the registration process
• What are the consequences of not registering or not registering on time?
• Actions you can take to prepare for this mandatory registration