IOM Urges Taxpayers To File Online

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

11 May 2010

The Income Tax Division of the Isle of Man Treasury has urged taxpayers to avail themselves of of new improved online filing services recently launched by the government when filing their annual returns.

The Income Tax Division of Treasury recently enhanced its online services in a move that increases the options available to both individuals and employers, achieving greater efficiencies and further improving customer service, the government said.

Treasury Minister, Anne Craine has voiced her support for the initiative, urging taxpayers to go online instead of posting paper copies of their annual returns.

“Online tax services provide a wide range of benefits for users as well as generating significant cost savings for the government,” the Minister said. “This continues Treasury’s aim of making it easier for individuals and businesses to interact with the Income Tax Division. It provides customers with quick and easy access to their tax records and reduces the need for paper documents, correspondence and telephone calls.”

“Our longer-term objective is to reach a position where the online submission of tax returns is the norm,” Craine continued. “In the meantime however, the Income Tax Division will continue to provide for those who do not have internet access or prefer to send in paper copies of their return forms.’”

According to the government, a major advantage of filing electronically is that customers will obtain instant notification that their return has been received. This is an important consideration, the government noted, as the Income Tax Division will be driving forward cost efficiencies by no longer issuing return form receipts, reminders or reply-paid labels or envelopes. This new initiative is expected to save approximately GBP90,000 in terms of officer time, printing, stationery supplies and postage costs.

"In addition to offering even better customer choice, our online services provide a lower cost way for government to conduct its business. We are constantly striving to develop more efficient ways of working and new technology will undoubtedly play a key role as the Island seeks to address the fiscal challenges that lie ahead,” Craine concluded.

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