A heartwarming tale for dark winter nights

As a journalist on Sunday Times Money, I spend most of my time highlighting the latest scams, rip-offs and bad practices that litter the world of personal finance. It can be an unpleasant world provoking despair, anger and exasperation in equal measure.

But occasionally I come across something that is so good that even I have to smile. Something that is so useful that it can make the dark, dank days of January seem brighter.

No, I’m not talking about Celebrity Big Brother.

I’m talking about filing my tax return online.

I can already hear the groans of disgust. Yes, I know the online self-assessment system doesn’t always work. It crashed earlier this month for almost a day - it’s not the first time it has happened and I'm sure it won’t be the last. I know some people find it infuriatingly slow – especially at this time of year when it’s at its busiest. I’d certainly like to hear from you if you’ve had problems with online filing or self-assessment in general.

But when I filed my 2004-5 tax return last weekend the experience was sheer bliss

I crawled out of my bed on Saturday morning, bleary eyed and full of dread. Like many people, I hate filling in forms. There are always too many boxes to fill in, too many potential mistakes to make. And I’ve had as many problems with the internet as anyone.

I switched on my computer at 8.30 fully expecting still to be there in two hours time, by then feeling tearful, frustrated and ready to throw the computer out the window.

So what a pleasant surprise when 20 minutes later I had finished. Not only was my form complete - with little danger of making a mistake as the online system guides you through the return - but it had also worked out how much I owe. You see if you file online it works out how much you need to pay whenever you submit your form.

When it's working well, nothing could be simpler. I had to pinch myself to check I wasn't dreaming.

Maybe I'm preaching to the converted here - as readers of Times Online I'm sure you’re already keen users of online services.

But if you haven’t tried it yet I suggest you give it a go.

Admittedly, if you want to beat this month’s deadline you need to get your skates on. You have to register on the Revenue’s website to get a user ID and password. It will then send you an activation Pin but that takes seven working days.

If you think that will be too much of a push, register now so you can do it next year. Once you have a user ID and password you can use it year in and year out. After you have registered online filing is not compulsory so it is worth doing it just to keep your options open.

Comments

[mrs harrison]

Could you please help - I was given some Powergen shares after spending some time on the net trying to find out their value I can't seem to find any reference to Powergen. Could you please help. Thanks

[R AliBhai]

I am looking for a provider of corporate services for an offshore company. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to look for companies that have a good track record and whose charges are reasonable?

Thanks

Rizwan 07956 550 881

[Nick Morgan]

"David" [slap slap] "wake up! You are living in a dream world!"