With headlines earlier in the year like this: "Business Links to close by November as government unveils new support measures" it's no surprise that there has been a great deal of confusion about the future of Business Link. If you had read on in this particular story published on Business Zone you would have discovered that in actual fact: "Whilst the regional Business Link advisory service will close on the 25 November 2011, the Business Link website is being significantly enhanced and will provide improved, comprehensive support to businesses. New online services will be launched in November designed to help you start, grow and improve your business."

When I've spoken to people about Business Link, some said it was going completely, others that it was being streamlined and some didn't know anything about the changes at all. Somewhere along the line, then, the message has been lost, which is not good news for this large organisation. If they can't get the right message across, what hope is there for the rest of us?

HMRC is considering proposals that will make online submission of VAT returns compulsory for all start-ups, something that is presently only a requirement for those businesses with a turnover of more than £100,000. If agreed, the changes could be applied as early as April 2012.

However, there is strong opposition from the Forum of Private Business, which released a report highlighting the problems with the present online tax system. They have no problem with using the online system - so long as it's fit for purpose.

How do you file your VAT returns? Would you be happy about being forced to file them online? Let us know your thoughts.