TAX hikes will take up a much bigger slice of Fine Gael’s deficit reduction plan than expected, it emerged yesterday.

TAX relief on private pensions should be cut in the budget in preference to reducing the state pension, campaigners for older people said.

TAX hikes and spending cuts are essential for Ireland to keep control of its financial sovereignty, Taoiseach Brian Cowen has warned.

TAX defaulters have paid €17.1 million in settlements and fines to the Revenue Commissioners.

TAX officers are “actively” inspecting head shops, Revenue boss Josephine Feehily has said.

DIEGO MARADONA had some time on his hands near Naples until Italy’s tax police took two Rolex watches from the Argentine soccer legend to chip away at his $38.5m bill in unpaid income taxes.

TAX advisory firm HLB Nathans has launched two new Business Expansion Scheme projects for clients.

TAX advisers and banks could soon be forced to provide Revenue with details of controversial tax schemes they market to clients, under radical proposals contained in confidential Department of Finance briefing documents.

TAX evaders may not get the full benefits of a voluntary settlement with the Revenue Commissioners if they have already paid out on a previous inquiry.

TAX officials have called on Finance Minister Brian Cowen to deliver on his pledge to close off the loopholes that allow thousands of rich people off the hook or to pay minimum tax.

TAX dodgers living in Dublin are the least likely to be caught by the Revenue Commissioners, an Irish Examiner investigation has revealed.