‘Smarter’ online service to handle tax returns

It is claimed to be ‘smarter’ and can calculate on the spot how much tax people can expect to pay.

The improved system was announced after the Revenue Service apologised for human errors which saw 400 people wrongly being fined for filing their returns late.

Some 3,000 people contacted the service in three working days after receiving penalty notices.

Of the 5,500 letters delivered, 400 were wrongly sent.

‘The service’s priority at this time is to help customers who are yet to complete their 2019 returns and resolve any queries about the penalties,’ a spokesman said.

As a result, the 2020 return will be released later this month with a filing deadline of 28 February 2022.

This will be done on the new system, which Revenue Service said would make it easier for customers to complete.

They will be able to tailor their returns, so they only need to view and complete the sections relevant to them.

Additionally, they will be able to check their progress easily and review a summary as they work through the form.

The new online tax return also includes a new ‘instant estimate calculator’, which will mean that customers can see whether they are due a refund or will have tax to pay.

‘These new features have been developed and added as part of Smart Guernsey, digitally transforming the way we deliver our services to be more intuitive and better for our whole community,’ the spokesman added.