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ROS FAQ - ROS Customers

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   Select the question you require
  Who can use ROS?
  Do I need technical computer skills to use ROS?
  Will I have access to help if I encounter difficulties using ROS?
  How can I become a ROS customer ?
  Which of my Tax Registration numbers should I use when applying for my ROS Access Number (RAN)?
  What is the ROS Access Number (RAN)?
  What is the ROS System Password?
  What is the Digital Certificate password?
  What postal address is used to post out the ROS Access Number and the ROS System Password?
  What are the Payment options in filing my returns?
  What formats do the various passwords and access numbers take?
  Why is land mail used to issue the ROS access numbers and passwords instead of e-mail?
  Why are the ROS access number and the password posted separately?
  What happens if I lose my ROS Access Number or ROS System password?
  What happens if I lose my Digital Certificate password?
 
   

Who can use ROS?

 
    ROS can be used by:

  • Revenue customers acting on their own behalf
  • Tax Agents acting on behalf of their clients
  • PAYE Employees (Please view the FAQs under 'Employee PAYE Services')
In the case of tax agents acting on behalf of clients they must be registered as such on the Revenue computer record.

ROS has been specifically designed to ensure that with the minimum equipment customers can avail of the service. The only equipment required is a computer with an Internet browser that supports Digital Certificates (more information on this can be found in the FAQs on System Requirements). You will also need a Digital Certificate to access the ROS system. See below for instructions on how to become a ROS customer.

Detailed instructions on how to apply for a Digital Certificate are included in the FAQs. There are also instructions available once you select Register on the ROS Home Page. 		Top of page
   

Do I need technical computer skills to use ROS?

  
    No. We are committed to providing a good quality service to all our customers, no matter how they choose to communicate with us. One of the guiding principles we have used in designing the ROS system is that it will be simple to use and, in particular, it can be used by customers who have little or no computer skills. With this in mind we have developed a system, which is easy to navigate and which is intuitive in terms of carrying out the ROS functions. On-line help texts are available at all stages. We have also designed these FAQs to provide other assistance to customers. We are confident that even customers with limited exposure to computers and the Internet will easily be able to use the system. Top of page
   

Will I have access to help if I encounter difficulties using ROS?

  
    Yes. On-line help texts are available at each stage where input to the system is required. Should you require further advice on how to complete a tax form there are ROS Liaison Officers, whose contact details are available from the ROS home page. Should you experience technical difficulty there is a Help desk that provides technical support and assistance to users. You can phone the Help desk at 1890 201 106 Top of page
   

How can I become a ROS customer ?

 
    Go to the How To Register For ROS page for a quick guide to becoming a ROS customer.

 You need to return to the ROS Home Page, select Register and follow the instructions from there. On the ROS home page you will find;

  1. Instructions on how to become a ROS customer (Select Register and follow the instructions)
  2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and responses
  3. Helpful Information
  4. Access to the Secure Services offered by ROS (Select Login)
You do not need to be either a Revenue or ROS customer to have access to the first 3 facilities. The Secure Services area within ROS gives access to the return filing and customer account information functions. If you wish to view your own personal tax details or if you wish to file your tax returns on-line you must first apply to become a ROS customer. If you are a tax agent and require access to view the records or file returns on behalf of your clients, you must also apply to become a ROS customer.

Applying to become a ROS customer is a three-step process completed on-line using the function available after selecting Register on the ROS Home Page. For more information on the process to become a ROS customer, see below:

To begin, Select Register on the ROS Home Page to proceed to step-by-step instruction page. The displayed page will contain step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process for becoming a ROS Customer.

  • Step 1: Apply for your ROS Access Number (RAN)

    • Applying for a ROS Access Number involves entering one of your tax registration numbers. If you are an agent and are applying for a RAN, you should enter your Tax Advisor Identification Number. (TAIN)

    • We will validate the registration number entered and we will then post your ROS Access Number to you at your registered address recorded on the Revenue computer.

    • The ROS access number together with your Revenue registration number will be used to enable you to apply for your Digital Certificate.
  • Step 2:Applying for your Digital Certificate

    • Applying for your Digital Certificate involves entering your ROS Access Number (RAN) along with your registration number and an e-mail address. In the case of an agent, it is the Tax Advisor Identification Number (TAIN) which is required in addition to the RAN. You can enter a separate e-mail address for each of your tax registrations if you have more than one registration. When this step of your application has been processed by Revenue, a password will be generated and posted to you, again at your registered address recorded on the Revenue computer. You will use this password, called your ROS system password, to retrieve your Digital Certificate.
  • Step 3: Retrieve your Digital Certificate

    • Retrieving your Digital Certificate involves you entering your ROS system password and installing your Digital Certificate on your computer. While installing your Digital Certificate you will be asked to name the file in which the Digital Certificate will be saved and to create a password (Digital Certificate password) to be entered whenever you are using ROS secure services or your Digital Certificate. Your digital certificate file name should be a name which you will easily remember. The Digital Certificate password will need to conform to a particular format. The installation process will advise you of the relevant pattern.
Once your Digital Certificate is installed you will be returned to the ROS Home Page. You are now effectively a ROS customer and you can now access the Secure Services Area to file returns and access your Revenue information. 		Top of page
   

Which of my Tax Registration numbers should I use when applying for my ROS Access Number (RAN)?

 
    If you are applying on your own behalf, it does not matter which of your registration numbers you use. If you are registered for VAT and Employer's PAYE/PRSI, either registration will suffice.

If you are one of our customers with multiple tax registrations, any of these registrations will suffice. We will be able to link your registrations together once you enter one of your numbers.

If you are applying as or on behalf of a Tax Agent, you should enter your Tax Advisor Identification Number (TAIN).
 Top of page
   

What is the ROS Access Number (RAN)?

  
    The RAN is a number, generated by ROS, which will be issued to you when you first register to become a ROS customer. It will be issued to you at your postal address. You will then use the RAN to identify yourself to the ROS system and to apply for your Digital Certificate.
 Top of page
   

What is the ROS System Password?

  
    This is a password, which ROS sends to you as part of the ROS registration process. You will be asked to enter your RAN in order to activate the process by which we then issue you with the System Password. This password is then used by you to retrieve your Digital Certificate. It is not used for any other purpose. Top of page
   

What is the Digital Certificate password?

 
    This is a password which is created by you when you install your Digital Certificate. It must conform to a particular format. You will be advised of this format when you are installing the certificate. This is the password which you will use in future to gain access to the ROS Secure Services and to transmit your returns electronically. Top of page
   

What postal address is used to post out the ROS Access Number and the ROS System Password?

  
    If you are an individual, applying to become a ROS customer on your own behalf, the postal address used is your address on the Revenue Database.

If you are applying as or on behalf of a Tax Agent, the postal address which we will use is the address of your practice i.e. the address recorded on the Revenue Database. 		Top of page
   

What are the Payment options in filing my returns?

 
    You can set up a ROS Debit Instruction (RDI) when filing your appropriate return (For more information on setting up a ROS Debit Instruction please see the FAQ "How do I setup a ROS Debit Instruction" located in the "Using the ROS System" section of FAQs). A ROS Debit Instruction is not a Direct Debit Instruction.

Unlike Direct Debit, RDI is not a fixed monthly amount. With RDI the amount of the payment and when the payment is made is determined solely by the customer. RDI does not confer on Revenue a right to take money from a customer's bank account.

You can set up the RDI using the on-line facility available from ROS. However, if you wish to do this while applying to become a ROS customer you can use the form included with your RAN. There is also a Laser card option which you can use to make a payment. In order to use this facility you will need to know your Laser Card Number and the card Expiry Date. 		Top of page
   

What formats do the various passwords and access numbers take?

  
    The ROS Access Number (RAN) will be numeric and up to ten characters in length.The ROS System Password, which allows you to retrieve your digital certificate will be 10 alphanumeric characters. Both the RAN and the system password are set by us and cannot be changed.
Top of page
   

Why is land mail used to issue the ROS access numbers and passwords instead of e-mail?

  
    We send the RAN & ROS passwords to you by post rather than electronically, for security reasons. We are trying to ensure in a situation where someone other than you is making the application, that the RAN & or ROS password will be sent to your mailing address. This should ensure that when you receive the post, you will be alerted to the fact that someone had access to your tax registrations. This should also ensure that the Applicant will not be able to proceed any further in this process because he/she has not received your RAN & ROS passwords. We will keep the requirement to issue both the RAN & ROS passwords by land mail under review. Top of page
   

Why are the ROS access number and the password posted separately?

  
    This is again a security feature and is in line with best practice in the banking industry where credit cards and the associated PINs are posted separately. The ROS access number cannot be used without the password. By issuing them separately, we ensure that if one of the items is intercepted it cannot be used to gain access to the system. Top of page
   

What happens if I lose my ROS Access Number or ROS System password?

  
    The ROS Access Number can be re-issued on request. We send this to you by post rather than electronically, for security reasons. You should contact the ROS Information Desk at 1890 201 106. Please ensure to have your relevant tax registration or TAIN (Tax Advisor Identification Number) to hand.

The ROS password can also be re-issued on request. You can phone the ROS Information Desk at 1890 201 106. Please ensure to have your relevant tax registration or TAIN (Tax Advisor Identification Number) to hand. 		Top of page
   

What happens if I lose my Digital Certificate password?

  
    The Digital Certificate Password can be reissued by selecting the Forgot your Password link at the login stage. Complete the relevant details and select Reissue Cert Password. Your Certificate Password will then be land mailed to your postal address. Top of page
 




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