Prepare for 2-step verification

Businesses that need to access online HMRC tax accounts should prepare for an additional layer of security that becomes compulsory later this month warned the Association of Taxation Technicians.

It will be mandatory for businesses to use HMRC’s 2-step verification (2SV). The procedure combines the taxpayer login details with a mobile or landline. After the initial login a security code is issued to the mobile phone number or that of a landline which must be entered for access to the account. Alternatively a code can be generated from a mobile or tablet by an HMRC app that has been associated with that account.

Although HMRC will introduce the procedure from 25 September it could take some time before businesses encounter the extra security depending on what they are filing and how often. Agents acting on behalf of businesses use separate agent portals to access client...