Fast Tax

Case Study: Non-Profit Infrastructure Modernization

Client

FastTax (formerly PayLessTax)

Sector

Tax Technology / Financial Services

Services

Bespoke software development, ROS integration, XML generation, PDF output, admin platform, ongoing support

Technology

PHP, MySQL, Revenue ROS integration, XML, API workflows, PDF generation

Project Overview

FastTax is an Irish online tax return service focused on helping users complete and file Form 11 tax returns more easily than through ROS alone. The platform supports self-employed individuals, small landlords, PAYE workers with extra income and other users with more complex annual filing needs.
iWorks became involved with the platform in or around 2016. After initially working with an inherited functional system, iWorks later rebuilt the platform from the ground up, keeping the familiar user logic and flow while replacing the underlying codebase, database structure and technical architecture.

The Challenge

Online tax filing is a rules-heavy process with a large number of possible income types, deductions,
credits and filing scenarios. The challenge was to provide users with a structured, approachable
experience while still supporting the breadth and accuracy required for real Revenue submissions.

The platform also had to work within the constraints of Revenue ROS integration, where schemas and
technical requirements can change over time. This meant the solution needed to be robust, maintainable
and adaptable while continuing to offer a smooth user experience.

The Solution

iWorks rebuilt the system as a bespoke guided tax return platform with a separate administrative control
panel. The result is a multi-layered solution supporting customer self-service, staff review workflows,
Revenue data handling and structured output generation.

The Solution Installed

We designed and built a bespoke cloud-hosted web application tailored exactly to non-profit governance standards, focusing heavily on clear visual hierarchy and ease of use for an older target demographic:

Centralized Data Engine

Replaced scattered desktop files with a single, highly encrypted database hub.

Streamlined Workflows

Designed a simple interface that allows managers to track compliance protocols seamlessly without needing to be tech-savvy.

Role-Based Access Controls

Implemented strict security boundaries ensuring sensitive user records are only accessible by authorized personnel.

The Business Impact

The transition safely eliminated legacy infrastructure dependencies, heavily reducing daily administrative friction. Rainbows Ireland now operates on a secure, highly responsive application built to maintain compliance, absolute transparency, and long-term data preservation.

iWorks rebuilt and continues to support a bespoke online tax return platform used by Irish individuals filing Form 11 returns. The system combines a guided self-service customer journey, Revenue ROS integration, XML generation, PDF outputs and a dedicated administrative control panel for review, support and submission workflows.

Customer Platform

guided Form 11 workflow
fixed step-by-step structure with user-controlled section enablement
support for approximately 100 income, deduction and credit modules
live tax calculator as the return is being completed
multiple plan options with different support levels
new customer signup and existing customer upgrade flows

Administrative Platform

user account management
year-by-year plan management
completion tracking and status oversight
agent-link workflow support
review and approval process for higher-tier plans
email reminders and notifications
reporting, dashboards and user statistics
direct access into live and test customer accounts for support

Key Features

Guided Form 11 Workflow

The platform breaks down a complex filing process into a structured sequence of screens. Users can enable only the sections relevant to them, such as self-employed income, rental income, bank interest, shares or other tax-related categories, while leaving irrelevant sections disabled.

Revenue ROS Integration

FastTax can act as agent for clients, allowing relevant Revenue data to be pulled into the system once the required relationship is in place. This helps users get started more quickly by importing available ROS information rather than requiring everything to be entered manually.

ROS Data Import

Imported data can include items such as PAYE income, pension-related information and preliminary tax, depending on what is available through ROS for the relevant year.

ROS Submission and XML Generation

The system generates XML output for Revenue submission. For self-service users, this allows them to upload a completed XML file through ROS themselves. For higher-tier plans, staff can review the return and handle submission workflows on the client’s behalf.

Final Calculation Workflow

While the platform includes a live calculator throughout the user journey, final tax results are aligned with Revenue by sending the prepared XML data through the ROS workflow and formatting the returned result in a clear tax results screen for the user.

PDF Outputs

The platform generates supporting documentation, including Form 11 PDFs, self-employed profit and loss outputs, rental-related PDFs and customer invoices.

Administrative Control Panel

A dedicated backend allows staff to oversee and support the full customer lifecycle. Admin users can review user activity, manage tax years and plans, monitor completion status, work through premium-plan review queues and access customer accounts directly in live or test mode where necessary. This gives the FastTax team a practical operational layer behind the customer-facing platform, rather than relying solely on users to complete the process unaided.

Workflow by Plan Type

The platform supports multiple service models. Entry-level users can complete the process themselves, while higher-tier plans allow FastTax staff to review returns in detail, confirm accuracy and legitimacy, and in some cases, submit the Revenue XML on the client’s behalf. This combination of software workflow and expert review gives the business flexibility in how it delivers It’s service while keeping all activity inside one connected system.

Scale and Ongoing Use

The platform handles approximately 1,800 users per year and supports recurring annual use, with many customers returning to complete tax filings year after year.

Technical Challenges

One of the biggest ongoing technical challenges has been the integration with Revenue ROS. While the integration itself is achievable, Revenue schemas can change over time, sometimes requiring analysis. troubleshooting and system updates to keep import and submission workflows working correctly. This has required iWorks to maintain the platform carefully and adapt quickly when external technical dependencies shift.

Outcome

FastTax now operates on a rebuilt bespoke platform that gives users a more manageable alternative to dealing directly with ROS, while providing the business with a strong operational backend for support, review and submission workflows.

rebuilt legacy platform from the ground up
supports around 1,800 users annually
combines self-service and staff-assisted workflows
integrates with Revenue ROS for import and submission processes
generates structured XML and PDF outputs
supports repeat annual use across multiple tax years

Ongoing Support

iWorks continues to support and enhance the platform, maintaining its Revenue integration, updating the system as requirements change and helping ensure the service remains stable through each tax cycle.