17 January 2022
Emails are being sent to Islanders who filed their tax return online last year to let them know that the online form is ready to use. Paper returns are also being delivered starting from today to those who completed a paper form in 2021.
Online filing is the quickest, easiest and most convenient way for Islanders to complete their tax return – last year nearly 24,500 tax returns were filed online, some 43% of the total returns received. Revenue Jersey is also assessing tax returns more quickly; in 2021 almost 80% of returns were assessed within 30 days.
Taxpayers who choose to file online for the first time will need to activate their onegov account, which includes setting up a digital ID using the Yoti app. To do this, they will need a smartphone and a valid passport. A screen-by-screen guide to the process is available and those needing additional help to activate their account can call Customer and Local Services on 01534 444444.
The tax return filing deadlines are:
· 31 May 2022 for paper forms
· 31 July 2022 for online filing.
Along with their paper tax return, taxpayers will receive a Revenue Jersey update, outlining things they need to be aware of in the coming year, including information about the frozen 2019 Prior Year Tax bills, and the new online tax calculator. Online filers will be emailed the update separately.
Independent Taxation
An online form is now available for married couples and civil partnerships to elect to move to Independent Taxation from 2023 if they wish.
A leaflet giving important information about Independent Taxation is being included with the email and paper return. It is vital that couples thinking of moving to Independent Taxation in this voluntary phase understand fully the impact that the move will have on the tax they pay in future years. Eligible couples have until 29 July 2022 to complete the online form and submit their election to move.
Comptroller of Revenue, Richard Summersgill, said: "I urge islanders to complete their tax return as soon as they can and ahead of the relevant deadline. This is particularly important for employed people to help ensure that they are paying sufficient tax through the Income Tax Instalment Scheme, to avoid unexpected tax bills in the future.
"We know from the feedback we have received that taxpayers are finding online filing quicker and easier and almost half of personal taxpayers are now completing their return online. This also means that we are assessing many returns faster than previously, which is increasingly important now that all taxpayers are assessed on a Current Year Basis.
"We are also making couples aware that if they want to choose to move to Independent Taxation from 2023, they can do so by completing our new online form. I do need to stress that couples thinking of doing this should use our online calculator and/or seek professional advice before making a final decision. It is not in everyone's best financial interests to move to Independent Taxation until the new compensatory allowance becomes available, which will be no earlier than 2024."
More information about online filing is available on the Government of Jersey website.
Additional guidance for employees looking to claim a homeworking allowance if employers have not paid expenses to them is also available online.
gov.je