Gerry Reynolds
Question:122 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Finance the policy of his Department regarding anonymous reports of persons who may be involved in tax evasion. [1563/98]
Written Answers. - Tax Evasion.
It is the policy of my Department regarding anonymous reports of persons who may be involved in tax evasion to forward such reports directly to the Revenue Commissioners for whatever action Revenue might consider appropriate.
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is their policy to accept all information received concerning tax evasion, including anonymous information. Revenue examines all such information in order to evaluate its relevance and quality and, where possible, takes steps to validate the information before any follow-up action is taken. Where Revenue's examination of the information indicates that no follow-up action is necessary, the matter is not taken any further. Where, however, Revenue's examination indicates otherwise, the information is forwarded either to special inquiry branch, with a view to bringing the taxpayer into the tax system, or for investigation or audit, as appropriate.