| Government plans to
impose online filing on all the main
businesses taxes have been criticised by
tax campaigners. The 23 March Budget
confirmed that all businesses will be
required to register and de-register for
VAT and notify changes online from 1
August 2012, as well as filing VAT returns
online and paying VAT electronically for
VAT periods beginning on or after 1 April
2012.
Online VAT filing and electronic
payment are already compulsory for
businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover
of £100,000 or more, and those newly
registering for VAT, regardless of
turnover.
The government is also to consult on
mandating use of the new online
Registration Wizard for corporation tax,
income tax self-assessment, class 2
National Insurance contributions, PAYE and
VAT.
Robin Williamson, technical director of
the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group said:
“We have seen people with
disabilities that prevent them from using
computers and very small businesses whose
profit margins are so small that the cost
of computers, broadband and training, or
of appointing a professional agent, would
have to be paid for by the proprietors in
person.
“This they may not be able to afford,
if (as is often the case) the proprietors
themselves are on low incomes. Any move by
the Government to compel online filing in
such cases is disproportionate, and risks
driving those people out of business
altogether.”
He added that last November, Minister
for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude had
said that every government service must be
available to everyone “no matter if they
are online or not.”
LINK:
HMRC online services |
