New guidance for online tax filing

03 July 2020

With the deadline for online tax filing on 31 July, Revenue Jersey has produced a new guidance video to help Islanders prepare for online filing.

Anyone who intends to file their tax return online first needs to activate a onegov account and set up a digital ID using Yoti, which requires a smartphone and passport. The guidance page and video explains both processes step-by-step.

Revenue Jersey introduced online tax returns for the first time this year, with the aim of making it quicker and easier to file a return. So far, Revenue Jersey has received 10,500 online returns: 11,000 returns are still due to be filed by the deadline of 31 July. 

Comptroller of Revenue, Richard Summersgill, said: “I’m pleased that so many Islanders are taking up the opportunity of filing their tax returns online.  We have produced this video to support customers who may appreciate more detailed guidance on the onegov account activation process.

 “I would urge Islanders who have still to file online to set up their onegov account and digital ID well ahead of the 31 July deadline.  Account activation includes checking that the information in a person’s digital ID matches the details Government holds for them.

“If this information doesn’t match (for example, if a middle name is missing) we need to carry out additional security checks before the onegov account can be activated. These checks can take a few days to complete and could lead to a delay in filing online, which is subject to a late filing penalty.”

Some taxpayers may have missed the paper return filing date but may not have a smartphone and passport to be able to complete the process online. These customers should submit their return on paper as soon as possible.

As usual, appeals against late filing penalties will be considered on a case-by-case basis, conditions for valid appeals against fines can be found online.  

Each year around £1.5 million is generated from late filing penalties. Islanders are encouraged to use the online form in the coming weeks to avoid being liable for a fine and to help speed up waiting times for tax assessments to be issued.