Derek McDowell
Question:75 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance the number of taxpayers who have claimed BIK allowance in respect of monthly or weekly transport commuter tickets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24698/99]
Written Answers. - Tax Returns.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that employees are not required to include income arising from the provision of bus and rail passes by their employers in their tax returns. There is, therefore, no basis on which to provide an estimate of the numbers involved.
I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information available is in respect of all benefits-in-kind other than benefits-in-kind arising from the provision of cars or preferential loans which were liable to tax for the income tax year 1997-98. It is estimated that the yield to the Exchequer from the taxation of those benefits-in-kind for that year was of the order of £14.9 million in respect of benefits returned by some 38,000 taxpayers.