SFA hits out over policy on tax
New revenue rules, such as extending tax on benefit-in-kind to drivers of transit vans, have come into play while the super-rich continue to enjoy loopholes like tax-free stud fees, said Small Firms Association chairman Kieran Crowley.
As the SFA prepares to meet Finance Minister, Charlie McCreevy with its pre-budget submission this morning, Mr Crowley says there must be more balance and fairness in this year's budget and soft targets can't continue to carry the can.
"He's [the Minister] taxing the little fella, and beating him up because he can identify the transit van owner. At the same time, there is a glaring void where Revenue have failed to collect €55m from the fella who has taken €340m out of the economy.
"There is no equity what so ever in that, it is a miserable and mis-directed bit of taxation policy," he said, addressing Waterford Chamber of Commerce yesterday.
Governments must govern, do their own job, stop intervening so much and allow business to go about job creation in a freer environment, he added. It is estimated 17,500 jobs will be created in small Irish industry this year, he said, but called for a more hands off Government approach.
Inflation is another concern, he added, blaming much of the rise on Government policy higher energy costs, higher rates and other stealth taxes.
In its pre-budget submission tomorrow, the SFA will be telling the Finance Minister it does not want to see him increase taxes.
In contrast to an appeal by Goodbody economist Colin Hunt at the same session, Mr Crowley said the benchmarking deal must be honoured.
"We made the deal with the unions... it is a done deal and we should pay it. Part of the deal was that we should get improvements in the quality of service in exchange for it. And that is my message to Cabinet pay it but be damn sure we get value for it."
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