Income tax comptroller Malcolm Campbell said that in an average year 23,000 of the 52,000 personal tax payers had not sent back their tax returns by the end of March.By the end of June during an average year 12,000 returns were still outstanding.Mr Campbell said that if members of the public sent back their returns on time and in an accurate fashion the workload for staff was substantially reduced.It was essential that personal tax assessments went out in mid-September but problems were caused by those delaying their returns – especially as the month of August was a traditional holiday time.This year, taxpayers are being advised to make sure that their returns are accurate and completed fully before being returned on time.An advice note accompanying the latest tax forms says that they must not write ‘to be advised’ or ‘to follow’ but find out the correct information.Mr Campbell said that those failing to send back returns on time received an assessment in mid-September.
If they appealed, the process took even longer to deal with.’A tremendous workload will be saved by the sending back of returns on time and with all the relevant information,’ he said.Taxpayers are being advised that use of provisional figures on their return will only be accepted in extremely exceptional circumstances.Anyone with queries about the completion of their income tax return is advised to contact the office on 603300 or call in to see help desk staff at Cyril Le Marquand House.
In an average year around 51,000 people either telephone or call in for advice.
