Non-resident status claimed by 3,000

THERE are about 3,000 people claiming non-resident tax status in Ireland.

The figure has been revealed for the first time by Tánaiste and Finance Minister Brian Cowen, who told the Dáil that the number of people claiming non-resident status in the State has become available only for the first time.

Non-resident individuals pay no income tax so long as they spend no more than 183 days in the country. Several well-known businesspeople, including high profile billionaires, enjoy this status.

The figure of 3,030 is for 2005 and the 2006 total is not available, Mr Cowen told the Dáil, as tax returns are not due to be filed until the end of October.

In response to a parliamentary question by Labour TD Mary Upton, Mr Cowen said: “I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that inquiries relating to residence are a feature of the risk-based programmes operated by Revenue.

“The procedures adopted in relation to validating non-resident status depend on the circumstances in each case. The administration of the validation procedures is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and the methods used to verify claims to non-residence include a range of tests and an intelligence dimension which for obvious reasons they do not publicise.”