The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has launched its first-ever diploma in tax technology (DITT).

The CIOT said that the new diploma reflects that tax advice and the demands on tax professionals have changed immeasurably over the last two decades partly because of technology. The rapid growth of information and communications is taking us into a fully digital tax system, with HMRC’s 10-year strategy seeing the extension of Making Tax Digital, services that work closer to real-time and increased use of digital channels to contact the tax authorities.

CIOT President, Susan Ball, said: “This is one of our most exciting educational initiatives ever. We believe it is the first-time tax professionals can get training in the UK to help identify and use technology that is directly applicable to their work.

“The diploma will bring much-needed training and guidance for existing tax professionals, including those looking to develop their careers, for those wanting to return to tax after a career break, as well as those working in the tax software industry.

“This new diploma is timely because it educates and equips tax professionals with a solid foundation in tax technology, as increasingly technology is embedded in compliance, reporting, crime prevention and operational efficiencies.

For more information about DITT visit: www.tax.org.uk/ditt.