Paul Kehoe
Question:82 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the numbers of persons who made payments and the total tax receipts in respect of bogus non-resident accounts which received an amnesty. [14424/02]
Written Answers. - Non-Resident Accounts.
There has been no amnesty in respect of bogus non-resident accounts. Under a Revenue statement of practice in May 2001, a voluntary disclosure scheme was available to bogus non-resident account holders up to 15 November 2001. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that 3,675 account holders availed of the scheme and paid a total of €227 million.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:83 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals, companies and trusts being investigated by the Revenue Commissioners arising from the Ansbacher accounts at the latest date; the number of cases where settlements have been agreed; the total amount paid to date; the number of cases still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14503/02]
Michael Ring
Question:87 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the Revenue Commissioners investigation of the tax due on funds held in Ansbacher accounts. [14480/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 87 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their Ansbacher review team has been carrying out detailed investigations since October 1999. The investigation has essentially two elements. There are Ansbacher type arrangements and there are other cases involving offshore funds and deposits.
Revenue had indicated that it commenced inquiries into 224 Ansbacher-type cases and five of these cases have concluded settlements with Revenue. The total consists of 121 cases named by the authorised officer and 103 similar cases discovered by Revenue. A total of 193 cases are currently under active investigation. Inquiries have not yet commenced in the remaining 26 because of insufficient identity information, apparent non-residency, or the 1993 amnesty being claimed.
The investigation includes examining the tax position of disclosed entities and accumulating and assembling information on other connected entities. The number of connected entities in relation to core cases under investigation is now nearly 700.
Revenue is making extensive use of its legislative powers to seek books, records, documents and information in the cases being investigated. Where appropriate, prosecutions will be considered but these will depend on the level of evidence available.
To date a total of €17.252 million has been received, mostly by way of payments on account, in respect of 52 cases. This is made up of:
|
Cases on Authorised Officer's report |
24 Cases |
€6.225 million |
|
Additional Ansbacher cases identified by Revenue |
19 Cases |
€4.502 million |
|
Other cases involving offshore funds or deposits |
9 Cases |
€6.525 million |
|
Total |
52 Cases |
€17.252 million |
As regards the five cases which have been concluded, one had no additional liability and the other four cases were settled on payments amounting to €1,157,000. Revenue has informed me that the overall investigations are time-consuming and complex and are likely to continue for some time to come.
Revenue has made an application under section 11 of the Companies Act, 1990, for a copy of the High Court inspectors' report which is to be made available to Revenue on 2 July 2002, and the information in this report will be carefully considered as regards the tax liabilities of the persons concerned.