Electronic tax declaration

There is a debate going on if we should allow government agencies to gather information about citizens in order to provide adapted services and support to them. The electronic tax declaration from the Swedish Tax Authority (STA) is an excellent example of using the power of information to simplify life for us all and to save a lot of money doing it.

STA collects information from employers, banks, insurance companies, various government agencies, municipalities and assembles that into an electronic tax declaration form. They will even provide the final tax calculations. The only thing I need to do is to correct, add or delete data and then provide my electronic signature when it is done. It took me 10 minutes to do the declaration. Well done STA.!!

One argument that is always brought forward is the fear that politicians and government agencies will use this new capability to control and manipulate people, so they can forward their own agenda. Respecting peoples integrity, provide a tight information security and good routines to show accountability are therefore key, when providing these types of services.