Thursday, April 06, 2006

Quite a hassle to file my income tax returns through internet

Many people said that it is easy to file the income tax return to IRAS through the internet. I have a different experience. It was quite difficult time for me.

Here are the problems:

- my Singpass is not accepted
- I am required to use exactly 8 character for my RAS password (no more, no less)
- it rejected my new password, bacause "it was used before".
- the website was very, very slow
- it was quite difficult to enter my income from property
- it was quite difficult to navigate.

Why is this the case? IRAS has designed a system that is convenient for them, but NOT for the taxpayer.

It is easier for me to fill a form and to fax to IRAS.
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1 comment:

Victor Foo said...

Hello Mr. Tan

Are you aware that IRAS’ operating expenditure in FY 2004 has increased to $183.3m in FY2004 – from $$166.6m in FY2003 and $164.6m in FY 2002 ?

This increase is related to a one-time investment in a new information system called the Inland Revenue Interactive Network (IRIN). It replaces the previous system which has outlived its useful lifespan and needs to be replaced due to technological obsolescence.

IRIN will help improve IRAS's tax processing capabilities and provide a wider range of e-services for taxpayers. With IRIN, taxpayers including companies and GST traders will be able to enjoy a comprehensive suite of transactional, enquiry and account management e-services at their personalised tax portals.

As IRIN is a major project, it is being implemented over four years. During the transition from the previous system to IRIN, IRAS has had to incur additional expenses in maintaining and operating the old system as IRIN is being developed and phased in. This means extra manpower and operating costs during the transition period until the previous system is fully retired in 2006.

The introduction of IRIN has made necessary not just higher once-off costs in computer services but also in staff costs during the period of development. As fewer staff are required to operate IRIN, IRAS released about 120 staff under the Staff Early Release Scheme at the end of FY 2004. The once-off compensation payout to these staff added to the staff-related costs that year.

When IRIN is fully implemented, IRAS expects to exploit its full potential to achieve a quantum leap in operational efficiency and enhance its taxpayer service.

Hopefully, you will have better luck for your next year income tax return instead. Good Luck.

April 07, 2006 4:34 PM

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