Revenue & Customs has today published a draft taxpayer's charter setting out the rights and responsibilities of individuals and businesses dealing with the department. The draft charter sets out the role of the Revenue, what customers can expect, what the Revenue expects of its customers, and where customers can find information when things go wrong. The draft document reflects the views and contributions from the first consultation, which was issued in June last year. Last November's pre-Budget report announced that the charter would definitely be going ahead. The Chartered Institute of Taxation has been lobbying for a taxpayer's charter for many years. Revenue chief executive Lesley Strathie said: 'Our new charter will be designed to be straightforward, clear and easy to understand. Individuals and businesses will know exactly what they can expect from us and what we expect of them. As part of the consultation we would welcome comments and views from any individuals and businesses who deal with the Revenue to help us create a simpler and more customer-focused system.' Financial secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms said: 'The charter will put the relation between the Revenue and the public on a clear footing.' The consultation document can be found at http://charterconsultation.hmrc.gov.uk. The deadline for comments is 12 May 2009.