Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2004
110 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the steps he plans to take to ensure that all taxpayers fully know their rights to claim all reliefs, particularly in view of the recent figures showing that many do not claim for reliefs to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4748/04]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that each year all PAYE taxpayers receive a certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut-off point setting out their entitlements. This certificate is accompanied by a detailed letter setting out a wide range of information. In 2004, this accompanying letter contained information about the main personal tax credits available for 2003-04; the tax rates and tax bands for 2003-04; the exemption limits for single, widowed and married persons; benefit-in-kind changes; how to claim medical expenses tax relief; mortgage interest and medical insurance relief; services charges relief; and how to claim an adjustment to your tax credit certificate by telephoning a lo-call number shown. As regards self-employed taxpayers, their statutory return form, which is issued annually, contains reference to all claimable reliefs and allowances.
The Revenue Commissioners newly redesigned website provides easy to access customer service information on the full range of reliefs available to taxpayers. The homepage on the website also contains a news section where Revenue alerts customers to items of current interest. At present, Revenue's home page contains a message for taxpayers on health expenses relief and by clicking on this the customer is provided with an explanatory note and information on how to complete the relevant forms which can be downloaded from the site. Additionally, Revenue provides a range of leaflets in all its public offices which give details of reliefs available.
