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The colour coding system was introduced to enable the user to quickly find the relevant pages in order to begin filling out the forms. The difficulty in filling out forms in an inherently complex tax system was minimised by clear instructions, helpful hints, navigation devices and a logical and structured approach which ran through all tiers of documentation.
Despite the inevitable public and media criticism about all matters 'TAX', the scheme was well received by many people including tax professionals. Tests have proved that the forms work very well in practice. The complexity of the British tax system is awesome, however the level of help provided for taxpayers is unprecedented anywhere else in the world. During the design process many 'lobbies' we consulted including the campaign for plain english and the various blind and partially sighted agencies. Add to this the politcal pressures, changes tax legislation and accutely tight print deadlines, all things considered the project was a great success.
The Times said: "the form is probably
as good as
something as complex as a tax return can be"
Nigel Abbey Design - May 2000.