Jersey taxation gets ‘21st century’ revamp

Monday 06 May 2019

Jersey's tax department will this week finally get a modern-day makeover – moving from a 1980s ‘pre-Windows’ model to a much more up-to-date computer system.

Starting from tomorrow, Revenue Jersey will be undertaking the “major modernisation landmark” of migrating all Jersey taxpayer data can be moved from the old system to a new one which has been in development since November 2017.

The new ‘Revenue Management System’ (RMS) will also pave the way for islanders to file their tax returns online next spring with a new deadline for online filing of 31 July.

Whilst the data transfer is taking place, tax officers will be able to answer general tax queries and assist islanders with their tax returns, but, due to the change, the department have warned that there may be some delay in payments appearing on their accounts. 

Pictured: The updated computer system is due to usher in a number of changes to the way tax is processed in Jersey.

Tax Officers have reportedly received 350 hours of system training ahead of the new system going live this week. 

This move is just part of further updates to the way tax is processed in Jersey, with the introduction of the internationally recognised ten-digit Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) which will eventually replace Jersey Tax Reference Numbers. 

These new numbers which are individual to each taxpayer will appear on all future correspondence from Revenue Jersey. 

This move, the department say, brings Jersey in line with international tax practice, increasing the level of security offered by the identification number and ensuring that everyone has their own identity when it comes to taxation.

1/2 Between 1 and 3 May, Revenue Jersey will be turning off their existing ‘pre-Windows’ computer systems to allow them to move data to their new software. Customer service staff will still be able to answer general tax enquiries at Customer and Local services pic.twitter.com/gDlz0XisI9

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) April 26, 2019

Regarding concerns about the ‘patriarchal’ structure of tax in Jersey, from 7 May, Revenue Jersey are ensuring that both spouses in marriages and civil partnerships will receive their own copy of their effective rate notice which will carry their own TIN. 

Of the changes, Comptroller of Taxes Richard Summersgill, said: “I am delighted that we have reached this milestone moment in the transformation programme’s work. Moving to working on a modern, future focused computer system is the foundation we required to deliver reform of our processes and customer services.  

“Once our officers are settled in to using the new system, we will be designing our customer service portal, which will enable the option of online filing for every customer in 2020, and which will speed up hugely the rate at which we can process customers’ annual tax assessments. I want to thank the public for their continued understanding of our current slow running and thank all our people for their dedication and hard work.”