Following the conclusion of our lobbying campaign not to have the Self Assessment filing deadline changed, which was entirely successful insofar as electronic filing is concerned, we are engaging in a consultation process with HMRC to ensure that future developments in electronic filing processes are appropriate to the business circumstances and needs of our members.

Matters which will constitute the agenda for these consultations include:

• System design issues in relation to VAT e-filing
• System design issues in relation to CT e-filing
• Use of paper substitute return forms
• Practical issues arising from settlement of tax liabilities by electronic methods
• Procedures for the provision of standard letters and online forms
• Progress on testing of eFiling systems
• Timing of implementation of new eFiling systems
• Filing and disclosure authorizations for practitioners
• Systems for bulk processing of returns

The Chairman of the Ulster Society, Mr Colin Johnston, is conducting a survey among Ulster Society members on these matters to help us ensure that the views of our members most likely to be affected directly are relayed to HMRC. Any other member wishing to offer comment is welcome to contact the ICAI Director of Taxation, Brian Keegan (brian.keegan@icai.ie).