Money laundering registration vital for farm bookeepers

Farm secretaries, bookkeepers and administrators must check if they will be affected by new money laundering regulations, the Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators is warning.

Under the rules , which took effect from 15 December last year, any person undertaking bookkeeping, accountancy or payroll services on a self-employed basis, needs to be registered with either H M Revenue & Customers or other appointed supervisory body, by 1 July.

Failure to register and follow the procedures could result in criminal proceedings.

Registering via HMRC will cost £95. Full details are available from Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators.