A technological revolution is underway at HM Revenue & Customs, according to the its lead non-executive director.

In his guest column for City AM, Ian Barlow said enhancing digital services and making digital the channel of choice for taxpayers; harnessing the potential of data; and developing HMRC’s workforce with the new skills it needs to effectively meet its objectives would drive its change.

Barlow was keen to point out there will “still be a multi-channel approach”, the option to use telephone or in-person contact for those who cannot interact online will remain, Barlow noted every taxpayer will have personal accounts for secure transactions with HMRC.

“Effective use of data will not only ensure easier transactions by compliant taxpayers,” wrote Barlow. “It will also improve voluntary compliance, such as automating and checking calculations to prevent inadvertent error.

Barlow stated that the advancement in technology, will enable HMRC professionals to focus their energies on the small minority who are trying to cheat the system.

He concluded by stating that HM Revenue & Customs will have to invest in its staff in order for the change to be successful. “This will be a smaller, but more nimble and professionalised organisation, with far fewer manual, paper-based processes, and a need for more judgement in dealing with customers’ needs’.