In April, just one million people were using the service. 

Satisfaction levels are reported to be above 70%, although thus far functionality is limited to seeing how tax is calculated, claiming back tax due, seeing the progress of submissions, the expected level of state pension, registering for a paperless relationship with HMRC, changes affecting company cars, tax credits service, child benefit, checking and changing address details and national insurance.  

In a blog post, HMRC said it intends to introduce an end of year reconciliation and a repayment service, while PAYE customers will be able to check they’ve paid the right amount of tax and arrange a refund direct to their bank account within three to five working days.

An online payment service for taxpayers who have underpaid is also earmarked for introduction later this year, although no date has been given.

The personal tax account forms part of the government’s Making Tax Digital policy, and will see all taxpayers given online accounts detailing their tax status and liabilities.

The system is to split into two streams: businesses and individuals. On 29 July, it was confirmed Accenture had won the IT contract with HMRC to provide software development for the individual taxpayers’ digital tax accounts.

No consultation documents for the service have yet been issued, although HMRC has repeatedly insisted it will publish it ‘shortly’.

Further information can be found on HMRC’s blog.