Tax evasion ‘widespread’ among self-assessed

THE self-assessment tax system for the self-employed has been criticised after it emerged an audit of 47 barristers in 2007 yielded e838,000 in undeclared tax, interest and penalties.

Members of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee also expressed concern yesterday about the lack of effective deterrents against tax evaders after the Revenue Commissioners admitted only one person has been jailed for tax offences since 2003.

Asked during a committee meeting what area caused her most concern about non-compliance with tax, Revenue chairman Josephine Feehily replied: “The cash economy — everything from tradesmen to barristers.”