Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 5

Written Answers. - Postal Dispute.

Ivor Callely

Question:

105 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the effect the present postal dispute is having on the returns which the Revenue Commissioners would normally receive through the post, in particular the position in relation to business' unable to make returns due to the postal strike; if they will be charged interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that so far the present postal dispute has caused no major disruption in the lodgment of returns and payments due.

Returns and payments in the Dublin area are being lodged in the usual way over the counter, at the Collector-General's Office, Apollo House, Dublin 1, while in the country areas, these are being accepted where proffered at the local offices of the Inspector of Taxes.

Where a balance of income tax is due for payment in respect of the year 1990-91 following the submission of a return of income for that year the tax-payer has the option of paying directly through his local bank by means of a giro slip attached to the demand notice.

As regards interest charges, these become chargeable when the tax is not paid on the due date. In practice however before interest is demanded, cases are examined to ensure that no factors outside of the taxpayers control are present which would have interfered with timely payment of taxes due.