YOTI and online tax returns (FOI)

Request

A

How much is the States of Jersey paying Yoti per annum for use of their services?

B

What provision is being made for tax returns for:

• those who have no smart phones

• the elderly who may have trouble using smart phones (let alone setting up a Yoti account)

• the blind and partially sighted

• those who have no internet access

C

What provision is made for third party access to online tax returns - for instance provision for online completion of tax return forms for elderly relatives incapable of doing so, but who have an LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) which means an individual can complete forms on their behalf.

Response

A

There is no annual licence fee. The Government of Jersey (GOJ) will be paying a one-time charge of 60p each time a citizen activates their one.gov account. There will be no further fee per citizen each time they log in and use their Yoti after their initial activation.

B

Customers who do not have smartphones will be able to use their desktop computer, laptop or iPad to access and use online services.

The approach taken by Revenue Jersey to ensure inclusive access for customers does not focus specifically on age. We look at a variety of additional support, equipment and facilities that may be needed for certain customers. We are working with Customer and Local Services who are expanding the government-wide support offered to customers to access services.

Paper returns will be sent to all taxpayers until they have opted to file online by registering with Revenue Jersey. For those with sight impairment, larger print versions of the tax return forms are available upon request.

For those who want to file online, we look at a wide range of circumstances and disabilities that may lead to customers needing specific additional help to access services; language, mental health, cognitive difficulties, mobility, literacy, hearing and sight impairment, and transient vulnerability.

We then ensure we provide access support for the specific needs that arise, from access to computers via the public library and Customer and Local Services, to ensuring website compatibility with tools such as screen readers. We are liaising with other areas of government to ensure the website will support as many customers as possible with sight and other impairments.

For less digitally confident customers who may opt to file online if given the right support we are planning to offer opportunities to build their digital literacy and confidence, through a programme of pop-up help desks at venues around the island, and promoting online skills courses specifically designed to educate and inform participants.

We are also working with local community organisations to develop and co-deliver appropriate help and support the way they would prefer.

C

Third party access to complete online returns on behalf of another party may be needed either by;

• a person with an LPA to act on another person’s behalf; or

• a professional services provider, principally a tax agent

Access to a person’s records under a LPA, can be given once evidence of the LPA confirmation is received by Revenue Jersey.

In the case of Tax Agents, a “Principal User”, will provide the governance and security relating to online services to include the submission of tax returns on behalf of their clients.