As part of their annual rite of spring, Norwegian tax authorities have begun sending out tax return forms to 4.4 million Norwegian taxpayers, who in turn must approve the forms that already are at least partially filled out, or submit new numbers. Most all completed tax returns are due by April 30, or May 31 if they’re returned electronically.
Distribution of the forms also was made available electronically, until heavy demand crashed the tax authorities’ web site. The officials were also under mounting criticism Tuesday night after a security lapse released some sensitive personal financial information into the public domain.
The tax authorities (Skattedirektorate), who have access to taxpayers’ bank account balances in addition to income and a host of other personal financial data, started filling out the tax returns in advance several years ago, using figures submitted by financial institutions and other agencies.
In some simple cases, taxpayers simply need to double-check that the figures are correct, sign the form and send it back, or approve it electronically.
Views and News staff