Vol. 438 No. 1
52 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance if he has received complaints concerning the tax amnesty from people who had no prior knowledge of owing money to the Revenue Commissioners, were never informed of such debts, and only became aware of moneys owed when they were so notified under the amnesty; if so, if these claims were investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in October 1993 Revenue wrote to all taxpayers in respect of whom tax arrears of over £500 were on record, drawing their attention to the benefits of the amnesty and offering help in clarifying liabilities if taxpayers needed assistance.
Arising from this a small number of cases arose where taxpayers were advised of debts appearing on the Collector-General's computer files which the taxpayers concerned understood had already been addressed either under the 1988 amnesty, or in the normal course of business. Such cases were investigated and put right where any errors arose. No other such complaints have been received.
