HC Deb 20 July 1976 vol 915 cc436-7W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the number of retirement pensioners who are not obliged to make an annual tax return.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

About 5 million.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the number of persons in receipt of the retirement pension who are required to make an annual tax return.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

About 2½ million.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether local tax officers will on request and without charge complete annual tax returns on behalf of retirement pensioners, required by law to make such returns.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

Whilst local tax offices will be glad to give guidance and advice to retitrement pensioners in making returns, I regret that they cannot be required to complete the returns on behalf of the pensioners.