Taxing the nation

MIDDLE income families should brace themselves for hefty charges on water, property and universal welfare payments, according to the Government-ordered template for stabilising the tax system.

For an average working family, this included ballpark suggestions that could translate into a €1,000 property tax, a €300 water charge and more than €1,700 less in child benefit payments.

However, the Commission on Taxation urged the Government not to hit people unless it was prepared to reduce income tax by a comparable amount.