HMRC have published on their Corporation Tax Issues page some advice regarding the new free CT online software. Some users may need to alter their computer settings to enable them to download the package. The new CT Online free software available from the HMRC website to registered online users is a downloadable Adobe package. It is not aimed at agents, although some may choose to use it. It is designed for small companies who use the CT600 short form and only supplementary pages A, E and J (Loans to Participators by Closed Companies, Charities & Amateur Sports Clubs and Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes).
HMRC have confirmed that they are aware some users have been unable to download the package and are receiving an error message ‘Internet Explorer was not able to open this Internet site. The requested site is either unavailable or cannot be found. Please try again later.'
If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer you may need to adjust your settings to successfully download the software. HMRC have provided some guidance on this on their issue page, stating:
In Internet Explorer for Windows:
(1) go to Tools - Internet Options
(2) Advanced tab
(3) under Security, ensure the ‘Do not save encrypted pages to disk’ is checked
(4) click Ok
If you are still unable to download after following the guidance above please contact the Online Services Helpdesk.
You may need to check with your IT support before carrying out any change. Other internet browsers may not have the same problem.
This guidance also applies to users of the HMRC SA online filing system who have problems accessing PDF statements or a PDF of the personal self assessment tax return generated using the HMRC free SA software.
There is also an issue regarding navigation in the package, which HMRC are investigating.
Any members trying out the new software are invited to send comments to the CIOT on their experience to technical@tax.org.uk with ‘CT online - FAO Tina Riches’ in the subject line.
Technical Team
