Finian McGrath
Question:212 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of uncollected tax outstanding for 2003. [14335/03]
Written Answers. - Tax Collection.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they publish the amount of tax debt each year in their annual report. Publication of the report in respect of 2002, with figures for tax debt as at 31 May 2003, is expected in June. At present, Revenue does not have finalised figures to make available. The level of tax debt fluctuates significantly throughout each year as tax charges are raised and collected. For that reason, and to ensure comparability between published figures, it has been agreed between Revenue and the Comptroller and Auditor General that debt is measured at 31 May each year.
At 31 May 2002, the total debt was €1.507 billion. Of this total, 48% was less than two years old and was still under active collection or appeal, while 70% was less than four years old. These figures reflect Revenue's efforts in recent years to reduce the age of debt. In that regard, Revenue's recent statement of strategy states their intention of ensuring that no debt will be allowed to become more than six years old. In 2003, while figures are not yet available, it is expected that the level of the debt will reduce further.