Deluded perception of tax not borne out by fact

Taxpayers are in for a big surprise — and not a happy one, judging by a European Commission report on the level, incidence and amounts of taxation across the EU27.

Irish people have a perception that, as a nation, we are taxed to the hilt. In general, we can see no more room for increases in the level, range or incidence of taxes levied. However, this is not borne out by the facts.

Those sacred cows who are today happily munching away in the tax fields of Ireland may very soon feel the discomfiting gaze of a foreign butcher upon their necks.