News Article - 30 July 2008
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Small firms would benefit from a simple e-filing service to help complete tax returns online, a group a professional bodies has recommended to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

While most firms are advised to purchase their own accounting software and financial packages to facilitate the process, a poll by the Working Together E-Group suggests companies of less than ten employees would benefit from a complimentary service from HMRC.

Paul Aplin, a member of the E-Group and chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales' Tax Faculty, says: "82 per cent of members responding thought that HMRC should continue to supply free software to unrepresented taxpayers.

"This is on the basis that if HMRC want to encourage individuals to file online rather than by paper, HMRC should continue to supply a free basic e-filing service."

Those surveyed insisted the current system offered by the government department is outdated, with just 15 per cent noting any improvement on last year.

The study comes after HMRC recently refuted claims that problems in its IT systems has seen £2.8 billion lost in overpayments of tax credits, reports CIO UK magazine.

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