Chile is one of the best kept secrets of the Internet - a pioneer in Internet-like technology a decade before the Internet was even invented, and now a world leader in using social networking and Web 2.0 technology to enable unprecedented transparency in its governmental systems.
Thanks, Gabriel, for your explanation. Even if you are not an expert it always helps to see how the users see the tax system from their point of view. The users are the best source to seeing if the system really works or not.
Well, I'm not an expert on the tax system, but this is how I understand it:
Most people don't have to pay at the moment of filling, since they have already payed their taxes by discounts, to these people there are only two ways on first instance, internet and cell phone (I don't know how it works the cell phone option). The internet form is presented to user alredy filled wiht most of the information, including the payments registered for that year, many times all the work is done so you have just to confirm, but you can also edit your declaration. It's supposed that there is a fine if someone don't fill his or her taxes, but I don't think SII is really concern about these case.
Diferent situation is when the user have to do a payment with the tax filling, on these case there is an option on paper, but I think most people use Internet and electronic payment. I think the fine for not doing it this time is for real
What kind of support people can get?, first you have the option of go to your SII agency and ask for do your tax declaration, in which case they provide you with a PC and I suppose there are officials who can help, true is that I haven't go there in a while. Municipalities may also have some sort of programs for help people to learn about IT, but that depends on each major office. There is not a national program of digital learning for adults, but probably their own kids are the first advisers on these field. I have seen ciber cafes where assistance for tax declaretion is offered, don't know how much they charge for it.
As I said, I'm not an expert on this field, but this is what I have seen as user of the system.
Thanks for your comment. I understand, for what you say, that the motivation citizens have to learn about online tax-filling is the faster tax return they get. Now, if you haven't filled your taxes on schedule, what are the other options you have to do it later, even if it means a delay in your tax return? How much is the fine you have to pay for not filling on schedule or using the other options?
Is there an educational program available in the community centers, libraries and municipalities for, say, older people who don't regularly use computers and the Internet? What sort of help do they get?
How many different types of taxes are there in Chile?
Hi, I'm a SII user, since I'm from Chile, so I can tell you something about how the 98% rate was achieved. It wasn't so hard, becouse the online tax declaration is the only one available at first instance, any year. If you haven't filled it on schedule, there are other ways later, but of cource that means delay on your tax refund (most people receive it), so nobody wants that. And yes, the tax service is free of charge for users. Thanks for your interest on our country.
I doubt online filing can be successful if the tax payers have to pay a fee for filing their taxes online. It doesn't make any sense, I agree.
As a government's office, the IRS should be serving the citizens in a way which could motivate them for a better filing and more accurate payment. After all, whose main interest is it?
Good questions Susan. I also wonder if there is an incentive for filing taxes online in Chile.
Something that never made sense to me is how the IRS in the US charges money for filing online. They promote it as a convenience and way to get your refund (if you get one) faster. Isn't online filing easier for them too.
Having accomplished a 98% online tax filing is certainly impressive. Now, I am wondering, how does the IRS monitor or audit personal and business accurate tax filing? It is clear that not having access to a computer or the Internet in certain areas of the country was solved by the Internet Cafés, Internet centers and the mobile IRS van where citizens are helped by government employees in their tax filing. That is clear.
But: Is there an educational program available in the community centers, libraries and municipalities? Is so, what motivates citizens to learn about online tax filing, the tax system and technology all at the same time? How accurate is the result of the 98% tax filing?
My interest in Chile grows with every bottle of Malbec I open, so it was great to learn more about this fascinating country. I'd like a follow up in a year to see how the Anti-Murdoch is progressing with his always-free content philosophy. Perhaps Chile's techno creativity combined with the influence of various economic models over the years will help him find a way to make high-quality content universally available. I hope so, but in the meantime my dirty little secret is I'm a tacit supporter of Mr. Evil--I pay to read the online Wall Street Journal, and I'll probably do the same when the NY Times imposes its subscription fees next year.
Technically and politically I think it could happen. The tax industry would object, but they have just been hit with new standards that are mandated as to who can be qualified to provide tax advice.
The government seems to be getting into everything thing, so a "streamlined" option for self-serving tax filers might be one way the government would propose to simplify and lower the cost for taxpayers! Everyone has their angle.
As an example, the website has some interactive games that teach kids to ask everytime for receipts for every purchase they made, this in orderto teach them civic responsibility and start the conscience of fiscal responsibility
One of the obstacles before mentioned is the tax filing companies, but on the other hand how willing is the IRS to have more auditing if this is implemented by citizen without proper knowledge
How willing are we to learn the basics of tax filing?
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