Stuart 4d ago

I asked HMRC what open source software there was for "Making Tax Digital". Their answer: use their software-finding tool. I'd asked them the question because their tool doesn't make that information available.

Does such a thing exist?

Show threadStuart 

It seems the whole push behind "MTD" is towards real-time awareness of everything. And the plan is for that to be done by us all renting* software from random companies. Companies who'll probably sell/use your financial information (or leak it or be hacked).

*Sure they claim there are "free" options although many of those listed in their tool can't actually do all the things HMRC already require and HMRC are careful to tell you it is your fault for which software you pick (you have to pick).

Mar 25 at 10:50amWeb
Show threadStuart 4d ago
No doubt there are plenty of people who'll insist that HMRC shouldn't be making software. But if they legally mandate you have to use software I think they should make something open source themselves. That does the minimum they require.
Show threadStuart 4d ago
Anyway, this is stronger encouragement for me not to be self-employed in the future.
Show threadParsingphase4d ago
@slowe Which seems to have been one of HMRC's driving objectives for the last 30 years.
Show threadRobin Stephenson1d ago
@slowe yeah; I closed my long-dormant company rather than deal with this
Show threadHubert Figuière1d ago
@slowe Like in Canada, or the USA.
Show threadGero Stein21h ago
@slowe I can’t help with your specific issue, but why shouldn’t the state provide the necessary software if it mandates its use? Obligations imposed on citizens must be fulfillable directly, without reliance on private intermediaries, the citizen is the sovereign. In Germany, this principle is reflected in systems like ELSTER, which offer free official tools, alongside APIs for optional third-party solutions.
Show threadStuart 21h ago
@tdr I don't really understand why you are asking me the same thing as I'm asking. Sorry.
Show threadGero Stein21h ago

@slowe I wasn’t questioning you, I was actually agreeing with your point.

I meant it more as a general argument in support of what you said: if the state mandates software use, it should also provide a basic, preferably open-source option itself, so citizens can comply without relying on private providers; even if some always argue that the free market should handle it.

Show threadStuart 21h ago
@tdr OK. Thanks. That definitely wasn't clear. It may have helped to say something that explicitly sounds like agreement first before sending back the question and restating my views. Unfortunately, especially as a stranger, that comes across as either misunderstanding or patronising or something else. It's quite confusing.
Show threadGero Stein21h ago

@slowe Got it.

Might also be a bit of a language thing on my side, English isn’t my native language, and on Mastodon short replies can come across differently than intended.

In any case, have a great day!