HMRC defends security of online filing
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a statement reassuring taxpayers that their online filing system is safe and secure.
HMRC made the statement after a number of stories appeared in the press concerning “high profile” individuals, such as MPs and celebrities, who must file their tax returns by post.
There have been suggestions that this indicated flaws in the online filing system.
However, HMRC has moved to deny this.
The full HMRC statement read: “Some newspapers and broadcast media have claimed that HMRC’s online filing systems are not secure because Members of Parliament and a small number of other taxpayers cannot use the Self Assessment service.
“This is completely untrue. A small minority of taxpayers, including MPs, cannot currently use online services because the additional internal safeguards on their records mean that their taxpayer reference numbers are not recognised on the authentication system.
“This therefore has nothing to do with the security of our online services. HMRC online services use the highest levels of encryption generally available and authentication processes similar to online banks.
“HMRC is continuing to explore ways to extend online filing to all taxpayers. Almost 3 million Self Assessment taxpayers have used SA online to file their return safely and securely.”
Tax and Financial Planning Specialist of the Year 2008
