asked the Minister for Finance why no income tax refund is being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who has been unemployed since 15th October, 1976, and why the tax officer dealing with the case refused to discuss the matter with Deputy Lalor on 18th February, 1977.
Written Answers. - Income Tax Refund.
43.
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the position is as follows. The taxpayer has not proved his title to repayment. When his emploment ceased he had had the benefit of just over half of his income tax allowances for the current year and duly lodged a claim to repayment of tax on the grounds of unemployment. The inspector of taxes then sent him a return form for completion and made the usual inquiries regarding his unemployment. The completed return form contained information suggesting that there might be income to be taken into account other than that from the terminated employment. Until the taxpayer satisfies the inspector's inquiries in this regard the claim to repayment cannot be dealt with.
When Deputy Lalor telephoned the tax office on 18th February, 1977, he was informed that the income tax affairs of the person in question were confidential and in the circumstances of the particular case could not be discussed over the telephone.