Australian Tax Office - online tax lodging is (still) Windows only
BuilderAU and The Sydney Morning Herald are both reporting on the ongoing disgrace that is online tax lodgement in Australia.
In short, only Windows users can lodge tax forms online. If you use Linux, Mac OS, or any other device, then you are out of luck.
Various groups are calling for a Mac version, a Linux version and so on. But that misses the point. Why is this simply not a web application that will run in any browser? If you can do your banking online, security is not an insurmountable issue.
Can the ATO please give us some idea of why in 2008, electronic tax lodgement is not done via the web?
Guy Leech
July 24th, 2008 at 9:56 PM
I’d like to add that, while I’m using Windows, I’m still unable to submit my tax online, due to the fact that to submit tax online, you require a number that you get by submitting printed tax forms.
While most people will have submitted a tax return before, I still find it a quite annoying catch 22, which should be done away with.
john
July 24th, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Guy,
is that a Tax File Number, so if you already have one then no need for a form- or is it some kind of per lodgment number?
john
Guy Leech
July 24th, 2008 at 10:18 PM
It’s something other than a TFN - you get it by submitting a tax return in the past 5 years. I assume on your tax receipt it’s listed somewhere, but it’s not readily avaliable.
john
July 24th, 2008 at 10:22 PM
shakes head
Grant
July 25th, 2008 at 12:05 AM
When I read the SMH article I had exactly the same thought you did John - why not on the web? The calls for a Mac version miss the point - and the comparison to internet banking definitely proves the point; it’s absolutely possible.
I had to fill out forms and call to verify the digital signature the ATO requires for lodging the BAS through their online service. Of course, I’m on a new computer now, lost the signature file and have to start all over again - a massive PITA, not to mention a huge barrier to entry for non-technical users that simply is not necessary.
Myles Eftos
July 25th, 2008 at 3:28 AM
As someone who uses the ATO Business Portal, I’m glad you can’t do it over the web - it’s a perfect example of desktop developers pressing the “Build website” button in their IDE.
All I ask is when they finally decide to join the 21st century, that they employee some WEB DEVELOPERS to do it and maybe even do a little bit of usability testing.
Sjors Provoost
July 25th, 2008 at 3:29 AM
Similar story in The Netherlands, although there is a Linux client.
The reason they are not using a web application is probably pretty simple: by the time they finally came up with the brilliant idea of electronic tax returns, Windows applications were the best way to do it. Then it took a couple of years to develop. And since they have decided on this solution, it will take a *long* time for them to change their minds.
My guess is they will develop a web app in the next couple of years.
But I had rather they didn’t. Let’s skip that step. Please just provide an API (supporting OAuth while you are at it) and let others build the applications around it. That would pave the way to more globally developed tax applications, with plugins to deal with all the local quirks.
Global economy, anyone?
john
July 25th, 2008 at 3:36 AM
Sjors,
now we are thinking! Can you imagine the meeting when someone suggests it though ;-)
Sjors Provoost
July 25th, 2008 at 8:36 AM
John,
Smart employee: I will spend 1 day building this [makes Dr Evil quote gesture] ” A P I “. After that you can fire the Windows software development team and save ” money “.
Boss: Let me think about that…
Sjors Provoost
July 25th, 2008 at 8:45 AM
In fact, the Windows software already talks to a government server so the API already exists. All they need to do is de-obfuscate it a bit. One hour work :-)
Sjors Provoost
July 25th, 2008 at 8:52 AM
And if the argument of saving money and making people happy somehow does not convince anyone, you always try the Freedom of Information Act.
Gary Barber
July 28th, 2008 at 12:03 PM
John, you know the web is very insecure and passing fad, accountants get confused by the web. ;)
john
July 28th, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Gary,
you got it in one!
Gary Barber
July 28th, 2008 at 12:18 PM
@John and yet the BAS submission is a web application, technically what is the difference… Well there is no project for redevelopment or the application has not met its required review period yet. Scary thing is that people think like that.