asked the Minister for Finance the number of the 9,000 farmers assessable for income tax following the lowering of the valuation threshold in the budget of 1980 to include farmers with valuations from £40 to £50 who were allowed use the simplified accounts system of Form AG11; the number of farmers who are still using Form AG11; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Farmers Income Tax.
66.
All the 9,000 farmers brought into charge in respect of farming profits, in 1980, were allowed to use the simplified accounts system of Form AG11. A substantial number, however, did not avail of the option to use Form AG11. Since 1980-81, all farmers including those in the £40-£50 RV range have been absorbed into the general body of chargeable framers and are not now distinguishable from other chargeable farmers. Records are not maintained which would enable a breakdown to be given of the number of chargeable farmers in the £40-£50 RV range or of the number of farmers in that range using Form AG11. A breakdown between farmers using the AG112 simplified accounts system and those submitting accounts on a different basis could be obtained only by means of a case by case examination of over 55,000 chargeable farmers and this would involve an undue expenditure of time and resources.