Following the (waste) paper trail

Sir, – Bernie Linnane-McBride (November 14th) stated that Revenue issues paper copies of forms to customers even when all filing…

Sir, – Bernie Linnane-McBride (November 14th) stated that Revenue issues paper copies of forms to customers even when all filing is completed online.

I think there may be some confusion between forms issued by Revenue and our normal interaction with taxpayers and their agents on compliance matters.

Revenue does not issue paper tax return forms to taxpayers who file and pay through Revenue’s online service (ROS). This is the case where either the taxpayer or their agent files and pays through ROS.

Revenue does however issue notices and letters in paper form where compliance inquiries or issues arise. This may be in addition to or as an alternative to telephone contact from Revenue.

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Revenue is committed to reducing paper output and has implemented a number of initiatives in this regard. We actively promote electronic return filing and payment through ROS and no longer issue paper receipts irrespective of the payment method used.

Revenue is also engaged in a phased programme of mandatory efiling, which currently applies to public bodies, all companies and partnerships, certain individuals and all stamp duty transactions. The phased extension of mandatory efiling will continue in 2012. – Yours, etc,

MICHELLE CARROLL,

Media Relations Manager,

Revenue Commissioners,

Dublin Castle,

Dubin 2.