TS hears HM Revenue & Customs compared to many things, mostly body parts and functions that should not be discussed in polite company.

But a recent conversation led to HMRC’s IT systems described in such a way that it immediately evoked an image of the USS Enterprise’s constantly under-the-cosh engine room.

Derek Allen, head of taxation at ICAS, told TS that, when it came to online filing, HMRC’s systems ‘could not handle it’.

This statement was phrased in such a way as to bring back memories of Scotty battling to save the Enterprise from certain doom.

Perhaps HMRC is  short of a dilithium crystal or two.