The days when the envelope with the harp comes through the door are nearing an end as Revenue announce new regulations which dictate that certain tax returns must be filed and the relevant tax payments made online via Revenue Online System (“ROS”).

These regulations are being announced in phases and the most recent group of tax returns affected are listed below.

• All stamp duty returns or payments on or after 1 June 2011 must be filed electronically.
• Employers with 10+ employees will be required to file all returns and payments electronically.
• A fully electronic system for RCT will be implemented from 1 January 2012

Affected tax payers and their respective tax advisors have been issued letters by Revenue to advise of this requirement. Those affected will receive a letter from Revenue for the first registration stage for ROS if they have not already registered. Paper returns will no longer issue to these individuals or businesses.

Certain persons may be excluded from the obligation to file electronically where they do not have sufficient access to the internet or due to age or physical or mental infirmity are unable to file electronically.

In addition to the above, Revenue have announced that third party returns (i.e. Form 46G) are now regarded as specified returns for the purposes of online filing.  Hence there will be penalties imposed if these return is not filed with Revenue. 

Source:  RSM Farrell Grant Sparks