Cowen urged to close off tax loopholes

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.

Mr Cowen promised a review of tax allowances in his first Budget, according to IMPACT's tax officials branch president Geraldine O'Brien. Now ordinary PAYE taxpayers expect the loopholes for the rich to be closed off, she told the branch's annual conference in Athlone yesterday.

Ms O'Brien, who represents over 1,300 tax officials working in the Revenue Commissioners, said there has been a focus on a small number of super-rich who pay no tax, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. "Focusing attention on those who pay no tax is important but don't ignore thousands of others who strategically place themselves outside the glare by making a minimal tax contribution," she added.