Pensioners facing unnecessary stress

THE prospect that the Revenue Commissioners might pursue 115,000 pensioners for back taxes — and possibly even penalties — because two arms of government have just begun to speak to each other on pensions is alarming and disheartening.

It is alarming for so many retired people who face uncertainty about historical liabilities until a ruling on the situation — not of their making — is made. This is especially so as the great majority of pensioners believe they have met their tax obligations in full. Wealthy pensioners will be able to pay, but others are barely making ends meet and a backdated tax bill would be all but impossible for them. That alarm is all the greater as so many of what were once considered the barest comforts of old age — heat, light, food and medical provision — are becoming ever more expensive and possibly beyond the reach of some people dependent on moderate pensions.

It is of little comfort that early statements from government suggest that the vast majority of pensioners will not be greatly affected. Until the situation regarding retrospection is clarified it will be a cause for concern amongst older people and their families. Indeed, the Revenue Commissioners deserve some criticism for raising the issue before they were in a position to offer absolute clarity about retrospection. Needless stress has been inflicted on many of our senior citizens.