Tax forms system is ‘discrimination’
THE way paper income tax forms are being managed by the Revenue Service has been described as ‘pure discrimination against the older generation’ by the chairman of Age Concern.
Older islanders have expressed concerns and upset that they are now having to queue to collect a paper form, which has swelled to 37 pages, and have been told that they are limited to one form per couple.
‘I am at a loss for words for the way the Revenue Service are behaving, it’s the manner they have adopted which is concerning,’ said David Inglis.
‘These are measures to force people online and I understand why the Tax Office want to make that change, but in an effort to streamline they have made a hash of it. More of the older generation will have to seek advice.’
He said the charity had fielded a number of calls from concerned people since the changes had come into effect.
‘They have been used to a short document and now it is 39 pages long and double-sided,’ he said.
‘Even getting hold of a copy is ridiculous, queuing up, signing for it, it can make life very difficult for an older person.
‘These are not the people to be forcing to come into the Tax Office, this creates a high level of stress.’
Mr Inglis said he had recently sat on a project board representing the older generation to look at how the tax system would change.
‘None of the changes came up or were discussed,’ he said.
Director of the Revenue Service, Nicky Forshaw, said she understood some of the reactions and frustrations to the changes in the way paper tax forms were now provided and had asked staff to be sensitive to people’s requirements.
She said that there were good reasons to want to speak to people who were wanting to collect a paper form.
‘The best and most efficient method for us, and for you, is to complete your tax return online. The more people file online, the more efficient the assessment process will be. If you are able to file online, please give it a go.’
