Half of early tax returns completed online
Almost half of all tax returns filed on time this year were completed online, it emerged today.
Figures from the Revenue Commissioners showed 157,218 income tax returns were completed using the new Internet-based service (ROS).
The Revenue said early indications showed more than 50% of timely filers used the electronic system this year, compared with 40% last year and only 9% in 2002.
People using the web may file up to three weeks after the usual October 31, deadline for submitting returns manually.
A Revenue spokesman said major improvements were made to the network over the last 12 months in a bid to lure users to the service.
“The cooperation of the tax practitioners and the fact that many customers are now very familiar with the ROS system also helped enormously to ensure a successful and smooth operation,” a statement from the Revenue said.
A total of 18,600 returns were filed yesterday. Officials added timely compliance for filing returns both manually and electronically was up again this year.
