Cowen to crack down on abuse of tax schemes

THE days where millionaires could avail of various schemes to avoid paying tax are numbered, Finance Minister Brian Cowen has signalled.

While priority in the December budget would be given to meeting the childcare shortfall, Mr Cowen told delegates he also intended to crack down on abuse of tax relief schemes.

“It is unacceptable to me that some of the wealthiest residents in Irish society should use property and other tax incentives to avoid paying any income tax while at the same time enjoying the services provided by the State,” Mr Cowen said.