I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Revenue On-Line Service (ROS) allows filing of the normal regular VAT returns (VAT3 Returns) and the annual VAT return on trading details. It also provides for the payment and repayment of VAT liabilities. The payments and returns are due to be filed either bi-monthly, at four-monthly intervals or annually depending on the size of the business.
The volume of VAT returns submitted via ROS increased by 30% from over 350,000 in 2006 to nearly 460,000 in 2007. In 2007, over one-third of VAT 3 returns were filed on ROS.
There are significant cost savings and efficiency gains for businesses that use ROS because ROS is quick and easy to use and it facilitates cash flow management. The forms are simple. Once a form is validated and transmitted to ROS, an instant acknowledgement is sent to the taxpayer's ROS inbox.
ROS returns are processed automatically and the taxpayer's Revenue record is updated within days of filing. The faster processing of returns leads to speedier repayments (if due). Within Revenue, the customer service standards for processing ROS returns provide for quicker processing. In addition, there is a special ROS helpdesk (and 1890 lo-call number) to provide assistance to anyone who has difficulties with the service.
A further advantage for ROS users is that the ROS customer information service gives a business or its tax agent access to its Revenue Account. This means that a business can see a full record of VAT transactions — filing, payment or repayment — since it first used ROS. This facility makes it easier to keep track of VAT transactions.