
Edit: After writing this blog, we went ahead and created our own, fully comprehensive Government Gateway Guide. You can find it at the bottom of our FAQ's section, here.
If you’ve just chosen CPA to carry out a complete review of your business rates (thanks for that!) then one of the first steps we need to move forward is to be instructed on Government Gateway so we can represent you as your agent.
At the start of the 2017 rating list, a number of controversial changes were made to business rates appeals. Most notably was the introduction of the “Check-Challenge-Appeal” process and its accompanying requirement to register for a government gateway ID. You must do this in order to appoint an agent to act on your behalf.
But what is Government Gateway? And how does it fit in with our client's business rates appeals?
The Government Gateway in its broadest sense is the portal through which you prove your identity to access all of HMRC’s digital services. If you’ve ever enrolled for any online government service, chances are you’re already registered for an account!
If not, you’ll need to go to GOV.UK and click on the ‘Create sign in details’ link. You will then need to:
Enter an email address (and verify it by inputting a code sent to that email address).
Enter your full name.
Create a password (you should make a secure note of your password so you don’t forget it).
Set up a ‘recovery word’ in case you lose access to your account.
After that, you’ll be automatically generated a Government Gateway User ID. Your ID will be emailed to you, but we’d recommend keeping a note of it too, just in case.
Amongst the services that Government Gateway Provides, You’ll be able to register as a business owner and claim properties as your operational premises. It’s important you do this so information on your business is kept up to date, and any appeals you’d like to make in the future are based on current data.
It’s also the place you’re able to appoint an agent to represent you in a business rates mitigation appeal. Appointing an agent is a simple process, but you’ll need the agency's unique agent code to proceed. Our is 77023.
You shouldn’t have to jump through additional hoops to ensure you’re not overpaying your business rates, and we’d love to see the process of appealing, and appointing an agent, streamlined in the future. But for the time being, your dedicated account manager has been trained in “Government Gateway Guidance”. So if you’re struggling, we’re more than happy to help out.