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CIOT: ‘Digital by default’ should not mean compulsion, say LITRG

CIOT: ‘Digital by default’ should not mean compulsion, say LITRG

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) has criticised HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for proposing to make it compulsory to file VAT returns online without any exceptions written into law.

This follows the publication today of draft legislation and HMRC’s response to a consultation in this area.

LITRG’s Technical Director, Robin Williamson, commented:

“We broadly welcome the strategy to encourage businesses to move to digital channels where they are able to do so, in line with wider government policy. However, ‘Digital by default’ should mean just that – that digital is the default option, not the only one.

“We strongly believe that HMRC must commit themselves to permanent retention of a range of options, including paper filing for those who for genuine reasons cannot file online. Those genuine reasons must include not only religious belief, but also age or disabilities which inhibit use of computers, lack of decent access to the internet, inability to afford computer equipment, broadband connections and the like, and concerns about privacy particularly when using computers in public places.

“Today’s announcement by HMRC that there will be no additional statutory exemptions when online filing of VAT returns is made compulsory in April 2012 fails to take account of the difficulties faced by the substantial minority who are excluded from internet communication, and for whom HMRC’s ‘assistance into digital’ packages might not work. LITRG’s concerns are exacerbated by the fact that HMRC are not prepared to offer telefiling alternatives in evenings, weekends and other times when small businesses are able to use them, nor are they prepared to allow paper filing to continue.

“Given that HMRC have ruled out statutory exemptions, they must take care that such support as they are prepared to offer is fully effective in removing all barriers faced by people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in complying with their recast VAT obligations. Otherwise HMRC risk infringing equalities legislation and possibly wider principles of natural justice. LITRG does not believe that HMRC’s response to the VAT online consultation goes nearly far enough in assisting those hitherto fully compliant businesses who will experience genuine difficulties with fulfilling their VAT obligations online.”

Notes to editors

HMRC’s document, ‘Summary of Responses: VAT – consultation on the next steps for moving VAT online’ can be found at http://tinyurl.com/7pgbmq5

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is an initiative of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) to give a voice to the unrepresented. Since 1998 LITRG has been working to improve the policy and processes of the tax, tax credits and associated welfare systems for the benefit of those on low incomes.

3. The CIOT is a charity and the leading professional body in the United Kingdom concerned solely with taxation. The CIOT’s primary purpose is to promote education and study of the administration and practice of taxation. One of the key aims is to achieve a better, more efficient, tax system for all affected by it – taxpayers, advisers and the authorities. The CIOT’s 15,600 members have the practising title of ‘Chartered Tax Adviser’ and the designatory letters ‘CTA’.

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George Crozier
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