Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that taxpayers are encouraged to self-manage their tax affairs using the suite of online facilities provided by Revenue. This includes the submission of health expenses claims (Med 1 form), using the online facilities as the quickest, most secure and most efficient way to get a refund of tax to which the taxpayer may be entitled. I am aware that Revenue has made and continues to make a significant investment in, and improvements to, their online service offering, to make it even easier for taxpayers to do their business online. 

I am further advised that Revenue provides a differentiated service such that the processing period for online transactions is significantly shorter than those that apply for paper based transactions.  In that context Revenue will bring to the attention of taxpayers who initially chose to undertake a paper based transaction the options that exist to undertake such a transaction online and thereby avail of a faster and more secure service. At this point Revenue returns the form Med 1 or a copy of same to the taxpayer so that, if they choose to go online, they do not have to re-do the necessary calculations from scratch.  Revenue retains the original or a copy of the Med 1 and, in line with the processing times for paper-based returns, a Revenue official will make contact with the taxpayer and will process the paper claim.

Revenue fully appreciates, however, that not all taxpayers will be able to or wish to conduct their business online and it continues to process paper based transactions from such taxpayers, albeit that the processing time will be longer than for online transactions.