HMRC to launch real time system

In its business plan for 2011-15, the department says that it has already started work on the project, which will provide real time information for Pay As You Earn (PAYE), supporting tax collection and the proposed Universal Credits system. Although it hopes to have the infrastructure in place by 2012, the plan suggests that the actual delivery of real time information may not happen until 2014. HMRC says that it wants to "deliver a more focused and effective tax administration" and "transform PAYE through the use of real time information in order to bring service improvements to employers and taxpayers". The department's timetable involves: developing and publishing high level specification for software developers by the end November; consulting on detailed proposals to introduce real time information by February; and developing and launching a test service for software developers by November 2011. The document stresses that the department's main aim is to be more efficient and flexible in dealing with its clients. "We will be smaller and more streamlined, as we remodel services for customers and invest in work against tax avoidance, evasion and fraud," it adds.