asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the severe delays now being experienced by most income tax payers in having the Revenue Commissioners deal with problems; and whether he has any proposals to increase the staffing levels of PAYE sections.
Written Answers. - Revenue Commissioners Staffing.
341.
There is no serious delay at present in dealing with taxpayer's problems. For the last eighteen months, however, there has been unprecedented pressure of post, callers and telephone calls on tax offices. This was due mainly to complex changes in the tax code contained in the 1980 Finance Act, particularly in the cases of married couples. This did result in unavoidable delays in dealing with claims, particularly with complex claims which have since been resolved.
A seasonal build-up of arrears associated with the periodic issue of large numbers of PAYE documents can occur. The staffing position in all sections, including PAYE, is kept under constant review and the practice has been to assign any additional staff required.