Online tax filing restored

The Inland Revenue has re-opened the online tax return system that allows taxpayers to file their self-assessment forms electronically. The Revenue closed the service on 27 May following a security breach, and it remained out of action for over a month.

Users reported being able to see other taxpayers’ information on screen. A thorough investigation has now taken place and the system has been restored. A ‘combination of internal and external factors’ was blamed. The Revenue reckons about 700 people were affected by the lapse in security. This represents 2.5 per cent of those who have so far used the service in the current tax year.

There have been calls to change the rules in the wake of the problem. Chas Roy-Chowdhury, head of tax at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, comments: ‘The Revenue should seriously consider extending the first deadline for self-assessment returns – 30 September – by at least a month.’

He went on to explain his reasoning: ‘Under normal circumstances, if people return their assessments by that date the Revenue will calculate their tax bills. Given that those people who were planning to use e-filing will probably now wish to switch to completing the lengthy paper forms, the Revenue needs to ensure that they have sufficient time.’

[16/07/02]