A survey conducted by The Chartered Institute of Taxation, CIOT, shows that although more MPs are now filling in their own tax returns, 73% still find the process difficult or time consuming. Contact: Viv Rees, Head of Communications; 020 7245 4109 (Office); 07900220887 (Mobile).
Penny Finch, Press Office; 020 7235 9381.
A survey conducted by The Chartered Institute of Taxation, CIOT, shows that although more MPs are now filling in their own tax returns, 73% still find the process difficult or time consuming, with an overwhelming 92% saying they would like a simpler tax self-assessment form.
MPs were sent a short questionnaire asking them if they completed their own tax return and how difficult they found it. When asked how they thought the tax form could be improved MPs responded with comments such as, “how long have you got?” It is clear that many MPs want to see improvements.
Penny Hamilton, President of the CIOT, said:
“ Although we are encouraged by the increase in the number of MPs attempting to fill in their own tax returns it is not surprising that 74% of MPs still fail to complete the forms without help. There is only so much that can be done to simplify the return while the underlying tax system is so complicated
“An over complex tax system leads to higher compliance costs for tax payers and tax authorities alike, leading to a greater scope for errors and general confusion.”
“We are hoping that these MPs and others will support us in encouraging the Government to make not just the tax form but the whole tax system easier to understand. One way would be to adopt the “Quick Wins”, some simple changes which the CIOT has suggested to reduce complexity in the tax system.”
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