asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners have considered a wider application of flat rate allowances for expenses to wage earners and salary earners with common working conditions assessed to Schedule E income tax; and, if so, if he will state (a) to what group of employees it is proposed to extend these allowances, (b) the allowances proposed, and (c) the estimated number of taxpayers likely to be affected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Income Tax Expenses Allowances.
2.
As explained in my reply to a question by the Deputy on 23rd April, 1963, flat-rate allowances are given as a matter of administrative convenience as representing a round figure estimate of the deduction for expenses to which the employees concerned would be entitled under the Income Tax Acts. These flat-rate allowances have been agreed with representatives of the employees —usually trade union officials—and if there is any other group of employees for whom it is thought that it would be convenient to have a flat-rate allowance, the Revenue Commissioners would be willing to discuss the matter with their representatives.
Is it a fact that the Income Tax Commission recommended that the existence of these flat rate allowances should be more widely publicised and would the Minister arrange for such allowances as at present exist to be publicised in the annual report of the Revenue Commissioners or in some other suitable form?
I shall have to consider that.
Does the Minister regard them as confidential?
Not exactly, but we do not want to encourage people too much.
Is it not a fact that the income tax commissioners suggested these allowances should be broadened in their scope and should be more widely availed of and has the Minister not undertaken to have the Revenue Commissioners consider the wider application of these allowances?
I do not want to encourage people to get allowances too much because I find it very hard to get the money I want from this Dáil.
Would the Minister not consider that he should instil some equity?