Revenue have confirmed that it will not seek to have any details filed in iXBRL over and above those already contained in the standard statutory accounts. Chartered Accountants will be aware that iXBRL usage becomes mandatory for accounts filing purposes for cases dealt with in LCD in respect of filing dates falling after October 2013. In effect, for the majority of corporate taxpayers, the first filing season for which iXBRL will be mandatory falls in 2014. For most practical purposes, the changeover will first apply where the accounts year end date is in 2013.

Revenue have also clarified that irrespective of the submission date, there will be no requirement to file accounts in iXBRL for any periods beginning before 1 January 2012. Accordingly, accounts for these earlier periods which are being filed late for whatever reason following the introduction of mandatory iXBRL filing will not have to be converted.

A facility to file accounts for income tax purposes will be made available contemporaneously with the Corporation tax filing facilities, but its use will not be mandatory.

Revenue remains keen to trial the iXBRL filing facilities with early adopters; if you're interested in the process, or have any clients who might be willing to participate, please contact Brian Keegan at the Institute who will facilitate any necessary arrangements.

Readers who want to know more about what is involved in filing in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) with Revenue will be interested in the upcoming XBRL roadshow being held by Business Reporting Ireland Ltd.

Business Reporting Ireland Ltd, a company formed to promote the development and adoption of XBRL, and of which Chartered Accountants Ireland is a member, is holding a series of events around the country on filing in XBRL. The road shows will cover what is XBRL and iXBRL, the UK's experience, and Revenue's approach and requirements.

This event should be of interest to all tax filers, tax advisors, accountants and company secretaries and is free of charge. Members are advised to prebook to ensure their attendance.

Further information on the roadshow and how to book is published on Chartered Accountants Ireland website at http://www.charteredaccountants.ie/xbrlroadshow