ITI Condemns Plans To Increase Irish Revenue Commission's Powers

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

29 July 2004

In a submission made to the Department of Finance, the Irish Taxation Institute (ITI) has condemned proposals made by the Revenue Powers Group earlier this year which would afford the Revenue Commission far-reaching new rights and powers.

Amongst the proposals made by the government-appointed Group in its report, published in February, were plans for improvements in the Revenue’s offshore information powers, and enhanced powers of criminal investigation (including access to telephone records, and allowing Revenue officials to question persons in police custody).

However, in its submission, the ITI argued that the tax authority already seeks information "which is completely removed from the need to check the accuracy of tax returns filed".

It also suggested that a further proposal designed to incorporate the Revenue's right to seek information from taxpayers into law would increase the cost burden for compliant taxpayers.

In order to counterbalance the proposed increases in the Revenue Commission's powers, the ITI called for the appointment of a Revenue ombudsman, increased resources for the Appeal Commissioners, and the creation of a compensation system for those taxpayers who have suffered as a result of Revenue delays.

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