Gay Mitchell
Question:379 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he will ask the Revenue Commissioners to suspend collection of inheritance tax in the exceptional and compassionate circumstances (details supplied). [23875/00]
Written Answers. - Inheritance Tax.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in cases where payment of inheritance tax would cause excessive hardship to a beneficiary, the commissioners have power to consider proposals for postponement of payment of the tax due.
The Revenue Commissioners have indicated to me that, in this particular case, a self-assessment inheritance tax return has not yet been furnished in respect of the inheritance taken by the beneficiary and no request to suspend collection of the tax has been submitted.
When the relevant return is being submitted, the beneficiary or agent acting on behalf of the beneficiary should indicate the grounds on which any hardship is being claimed with supporting information on the financial circumstances of the beneficiary. The commissioners will consider the matter at that stage.