Product Reviews

Gone are the days when the ever-helpful Inland Revenue took responsibility for ensuring you paid the correct amount of income and Capital Gains tax. Now, thanks to Self Assessment, that weight of responsibility is entirely on your shoulders. And that's a frightening prospect - particularly if you're the sort of person whose home filing system resembles a cross between a cardboard box and a bin.

Certainly, if you've got a PC, it's by far the best place to keep track of your income and tax records. All you need is a little organisation and some tailor-made software.

Which? Software, the publishing arm

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of the Consumer Association, is one of a number of companies to have produced a computerised version of the new Self Assessment forms. TaxCalc 98 is particularly aimed at those with more complex returns - the IR has produced its own electronic version of the forms for 'normal' PAYE employees which can be obtained free by calling (0645) 000404.

So, if you're self-employed, involved in a business, or a company employee with complicated investments, TaxCalc 98 will guide you through forms just like the paper ones - and then calculate your tax liability for you.

There's plenty of invaluable advice, as well as a useful little booklet that alerts you to your responsibilities and outlines the possible consequences should you fail to fulfil them! What's more, there are some pointers on how you could save money by reassessing your tax position or carrying out 'what if' calculations, like 'what if I take a £3,000 rise instead of a company car?'.

Once you've completed all the necessary sections, you simply print out the form and send it straight to your tax office. TaxCalc 98 certainly takes some of the pain out of the process and, of course, your £30 investment is in itself tax deductable.