Navigation and input

Taxfiler by IRIS is a browser-based application so uses a simple interface of links and buttons to move around, and standard browser input controls for entering information.

This makes Taxfiler by IRIS easy to use both on a traditional computer with a mouse, or when using a touch-screen device.

Areas of the screen

At the very top of the screen you will see a bar with the Taxfiler by IRIS logo and which shows your login email address and a Logout link.

The menu bar allows you to move to different areas of Taxfiler by IRIS and consists of HOME, RETURNS, ACCOUNTS, CLIENTS, SETTINGS and TOOLS.

The main working area of Taxfiler by IRIS takes up most of the screen. This area may scroll up and down but the menu will always remain visible at the top of your screen.

Links and buttons

Links are shown as blue text and will be underlined when you hover your mouse over them. Selecting the blue underlined text will take you to a different screen, as indicated by the link. For example, in a list of clients selecting the client code or client name link would take you to the screen for that client.

Buttons in Taxfiler by IRIS are Green and are used to initiate actions, such as Create client and Save changes.

Entering information

Taxfiler by IRIS uses standard browser controls for most forms of data input.

  • An editable box for entering text, numbers and dates:

  • A tickbox for indicating yes / no inputs:

  • A drop-down for selecting from a list of options: Choice 1 Choice 2 Choice 3 and so on.

Entering numbers

Most numbers you input will either be amounts in pounds or pence. If you enter pence into a field that only accepts pounds then the pence will be removed. If a field allows pence and you enter more than 2 decimal places then the amount will be rounded.

You may use comma separators in your figures (for example, 1,000) or just enter the digits (for example,1000). Taxfiler by IRIS will display numbers with comma separators for thousands, and with the pence included if the field accepts pence (for example,12,345.67).

Enter negative figures by preceding the value with a minus sign (for example, 1000) or by enclosing it in brackets (for example, (1000) ). Taxfiler by IRIS will show negative figures in brackets.

Entering dates

To enter a date, use one of the recognised formats listed below. Taxfiler by IRIS will display dates using the DD/MM/YYYY format (for example, 06/04/2022).

  • D/M/Y - enter the day, month and year separated with a slash. (for example, 6/4/22 - 6th April 2022). The year can be entered as either 2 or 4 digits, but some dates will require you to enter a four digit year. For example, if you are entering a date of birth for somebody born in 1914, you will need to enter the full year of 1914 as Taxfiler by IRIS would assume that 14 referred to 2014.

  • DDMMYY - enter the day, month and year as 2 digit entries (for example, 060414 - 6th April 2014).

  • DDMMYYYY - enter the day and month as 2 digit entries and the year as a 4 digit entry (for example, 06041914 - 6th April 1914).

Regardless of how you input the date, as soon as you leave the field Taxfiler by IRIS will re-format the input to DD/MM/YYYY format, unless it cannot recognise the date you have entered.

Mandatory fields

If a field is a required input, it will be shown with a star next to it. Mandatory fields must be entered before the data can be saved.

Saving changes

After inputting information you need to save the changes you have made. This option is usually called Save changes. Taxfiler by IRIS will check that the information entered is correct. If any errors are found, Taxfiler by IRIS will display an error next to the field.

You will need to correct any errors before your changes will be saved.

Inputting repeating data into grids

On many screens Taxfiler by IRIS uses a simple grid to input multiple lines of data.

To add new lines of information just start typing into the bottom line of the grid. As soon as you start typing the grid will be expanded to allow a new empty line at the bottom, and you can therefore enter as many lines as required.

To delete a line from the grid, select the 'trash can' icon at the end of the line.

Many grids will show totals at the bottom. These will be updated as you add to or amend the contents of the grid.

Screens with multiple tabs

Some screens in Taxfiler by IRIS have a line of tabs across the top.

To change to a different tab, just select it and the new page will be displayed.