Revenue can help tax-debtors

AS today’s pay and file on-line tax deadline for the self-employed looms large, the Revenue Commissioners has urged those in genuine distress to contact it now and work out an instalment arrangement.

Revenue collectors nation-wide are in the same queue for money as the banks, utilities, suppliers and service providers. And while they have to be as active as any of these in ensuring they get paid on time, they do have hearts, said Revenue Commissioners chairman Frank Daly yesterday.

"An important message this morning therefore is that where arrears arise, and a business demonstrates a genuine willingness to address the problem but does not have immediate funds to pay, we will usually be open to discussing an interest-inclusive phased payment arrangement to pay the arrears.

"So where you're in that situation talk to us and do it sooner rather than later. Mostly, when you do that and we are satisfied as to your bona fides and the viability of the business we can find solutions such as instalment arrangements.

"The alternative, if you don't contact us at an early stage, is that debt management activity clicks in and you can be faced with additional legal or sheriff costs in addition to your tax bill," he told the Waterford Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast in association with the Irish Examiner.

Revenue's ability to tackle tax evasion will be greatly bolstered by a major restructuring which is currently under way, Mr Daly also promised.

Revenue will develop a more unified approach to all taxpayers, improve customer service to compliant businesses and focus more on the non-compliant.

"We will be able to use our existing resources more efficiently by targeting them to the areas of greatest risk. In a word, we will be much more business-like and we are a big business the largest Department of State, employing 7000 people with a budget of €318 million."