Michael D'Arcy
Question:211 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Finance the amount of VAT collected in respect of agricultural purchases in each of the years from 1997 to 1999. [10870/00]
Written Answers. - Tax Yield.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners as follows:
Based on data provided by the Central Statistics Office in connection with the calculation of the farmers' flat rate addition, it is estimated that the VAT content of agricultural current and capital inputs during the relevant years is:
|
IR£(m). |
|
|
1997 |
141 |
|
1998 |
150 |
|
1999 |
153 |
VAT returns set out the total of VAT charged, on sales, less VAT reclaimed, on business purchases, in a particular return period. Thus, the VAT returns do not identify the yield from particular trade sectors. In the circumstances, the amount of VAT collected in respect of agricultural purchases, as returned by traders registered for VAT, cannot be identified in the overall yield of VAT. Most farmers are not registered for VAT and are not required to make VAT returns themselves. Rather they are compensated for the VAT incurred on their purchases through the mechanism of the flat rate scheme.