Identity Assurance (IDA) is coming and is the biggest change to the way that we software developers help our customers submit their tax returns and other forms to HMRC. From October 2014, services that rely upon the Government Gateway are going to be transferred to the new process at the start of their submission cycle. It’s anticipated that the Corporation Tax regime will be the first, with Self Assessment and others to commence from 6 April 2015. Beyond that, other Government services will be added to IDA, so BASDA members that work with Companies House, the DVLA and so on will also find themselves affected by the changes in time.
To help with this, an HM Government Identity Assurance Working Group is being set up as part of the BASDA Public Sector SIG, led by Steve Checkley of Acorah Software.
Steve explains: ”In the coming months, HMRC will be holding a number of sessions to discuss the finer detail of the programme. Needless to say, our attendance at these meetings will be vital.”
Kevin Hart, BASDA Chairman emphasises the important role BASDA plays in representing the UK business software industry:
“We have been engaging with HMRC and the Cabinet Office over the past year to help our members and the wider industry get a seat at the table and ensure this is shaped to minimise disruption and overheads whilst maximising customer value along with the associated key security needs of HMGov.”
“This will be significant and so do join our forum and capitalise on this key, imminent opportunity to help shape the strategy, which you will then need to implement. Please share with your network across the industry so we can act as one, to the benefit of all.”
To join the BASDA Public Sector SIG and receive more information about IDA please email info@basda.org.