§ 15. Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome)What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the arrangements for self-assessment of personal income tax for the 1999–2000 tax year.[135963]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThis is just to prove that I am here—the opportunity to answer is always the luck of the draw.
I am confident that the arrangements for self-assessment for the tax year 1999–2000 are as robust and effective as they have been for the previous three years. A total of 4,400,000 tax returns had been received by 30 September this year, compared with 4,500,000 at the same point last year, showing that self-assessment is on course.
§ Mr. HeathWill the right hon. Lady confirm that the software known as "TaxSaver 2000 Lite Version 1" proved to be light in one particular respect—it did not work? How did that happen? How much did the software cost? What recompense is available to those who wasted their time and energy in trying to make it work? Moreover, if we want tax simplification, why have most of those who tried to fill in self-assessment forms this year found them more confusing and difficult to fill in than ever before?
§ Dawn PrimaroloIt is true that some difficulties were experienced with internet filing. However, the software is now working, and is increasingly being used by taxpayers. The whole self-assessment process is continually under review. There is now, for example, only one set of instructions, rather than four, on how to fill in self-assessment forms. A recently completed review by the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Inland Revenue will soon be published, and I am sure that it will make fascinating reading for every hon. Member.