Tax Code

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Questions (295)

Willie Penrose

Question:

295. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the rationale behind the decisions of the Revenue Commissioners to insist that forms, such as form 12 medical expenses reclaim forms, etc, must now be submitted online, if this decision can be reviewed, in the context that access to broadband and web facilities is not available in many areas; if provision will be made for these forms to be submitted by post and by other methods, as is currently the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28807/15]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they actively encourage customers to manage their tax affairs online, including the submission of the annual tax return for PAYE (Form 12) and medical expenses claims, as this is the quickest, most secure and most efficient way for customers to do their business with Revenue.

I am aware that Revenue has made a significant investment and is currently making significant improvements to their online service offerings, particularly for PAYE taxpayers, to make it even easier for them to do their business online. This coming September a new application called myaccount is being launched which will provide a single access point and password for all online services for PAYE customers including PAYE Anytime, eForm 12, Local Property Tax (LPT), Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) and MyEnquiries (a secure enquiry facility).

The increasing investment and emphasis on Revenue's online offerings is in line with the Government's Public Service ICT Strategy of digital first to deliver improved efficiencies and better value for money as well as providing more user centred and innovative services for customers.

Revenue fully appreciates that not all customers will be able to conduct their business online and continues to accept returns and claims by post from such customers.