AN accountant has attacked the new self-assessment tax system for placing a major burden on the public.

Leslie Bury, partner at Kidsons Impey in Blackburn, said the new tax return was much more complicated and penalties for late submission harsh.

"The treasury claims that self-assessment will introduce a clearer, fairer and more straightforward system for the calculation and payment of income tax.

"It may help to reduce the Inland Revenue staff costs but it will place an increased burden on the taxpayer."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.