Number of tax returns filed online up 8.6%

The number of income tax returns filed online rose 8.6 per cent this year, according to new figures released by Revenue.

By midnight of last night, which was the tax deadline for electronic filers, a record total of 303,066 income tax returns had been filed through the Revenue's Online Service (ROS). This compares to 279,020 returns filed via the internet in 2007

Taxpayers willing to use the internet were given an additional 17 days to pay their tax this year by filing their return electronically through ROS.

The online system, known as ROS has been available to business customers since 2000 and individuals since June 2006.

By midnight of last night, which was the tax deadline for electronic filers, a record total of 303,066 income tax returns had been filed through Revenue's online service.

This year over 42,760 returns were successfully filed on deadline day - another record.

According to the figures, over 104,465 payments were made online, up 5.4 per cent compared to 2007.

Online payments of tax for the year totalled €1.63 billion.

The ROS helpdesk which remained open until midnight, took over 1,930 calls yesterday assisting practitioners and customers to file returns and make payments right up to the deadline.