The PTA (Personal Tax Account) launched in September 2015 and continues to be trialed. With over one million customers using the account as of April 2016, It appears the future of complying to future tax regulation is very much digital. For those that struggle with technology this fact could be worrying – with a reported 1 in 3 pensioners never having used a computer, tablet or smartphone. The Government has responded to this criticism by announcing a feature of the system - the capacity for permission to be given by the digitally disinclined to a “Trusted Helper” to help with tax matters. What's of concern is that this Helper may be a friend or a relative but may not be a professional. To the Government, that’s an “Agent”, and disallowed. It’s a situation somewhat worrying for a number of accountants across the country. While accountancy firms state that they cannot assist an individual with their Personal Tax Accounts as of May 2016. Some firms such as Hart Parry, a chartered accountant in Bangor, have stated that they can still continue to help with Self-Assessment (which is entirely allowed) and will notify their customers of any and all changes to PTA as it continues to undergo testing. More information in the months to come can be found at JT Thomas & Co Accountants in Blaenau Ffestiniog

What does this mean for thousands of digitally disinclined people across the UK? What is the PTA anyway? Not to be confused with the Personal Tax Allowance, the Personal Tax Account is part of the Government’s Making Tax Digital project -- an online account for taxpayers which details their financial state and allows them to view things that would normally mean a letter or a telephone call to the HMRC.

The ideal is a centralised system that allows individuals to view and update all of their information to give themselves a service individually tailored to them. The Government forsees that PTA will replace the Self-Assessment Tax return, and in turn reduce the need for the most of the public to complete forms. The ultimate aim of which is to make unneeded delays in the taxation process a thing of the past.

Benefits to the PTA include the following:

- An individual may see how their tax is calculated without the need to telephone the HMRC. The government’s roadmap states that it wishes to implement web-chat and virtual helpers to support PAYE taxpayers with their digital accounts.

- An individual or an employee may tell the government about changes to their circumstances in real time. In addition, an online billing system will allow an individual to pay any outstanding tax which cannot be collected through PAYE at the due time. Notifications can also be set up to alert an individual of any outstanding payment as it happens, preventing tax-due and repayments owed from accruing.

- Claim back tax and flat rate expenses more efficiently. Alike making payments, under the Government’s roadmap a feature is planned to allow an individual to apply for returns, rebates and refunds should they be applicable.

We're unconvinced about the viability of PTA given the fact that it appears to be wholly self-imposed, and seems to have absolutely no alternate option for those which prefer to keep physical records. That's not to discount the scheme in general though. It truly seems as if it could become a worthwhile system, and although it appears that at this time data concerns seem to be holding it back from it’s full potential. If you're in a rush to try it you can do so, through the .gov website - though our advice at present is to watch and wait.