Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
81 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance the nature of the arrangement offered by the large cases division of the Revenue Commissioners offering structured communications with wealthy persons and firms that would reduce the number of audits; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[8929/04]
View answerI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their large cases division has responsibility for ensuring that there is the highest possible level of tax and duty compliance by 320 of the largest business enterprises — those with annual turnover in excess of €125 million — and 250 of the wealthiest individual taxpayers — those with estimated net worth in excess of €50 million. The division also deals with the financial services sector in its entirety.
As well as monitoring compliance by these cases through audit and debt management programmes, the division is engaging directly with the companies and individuals concerned to encourage their commitment to observe an agreed framework of good tax compliance standards, supported by open lines of communication with Revenue. These audit and communication strategies allow Revenue to develop a more informed view of the risks posed by particular large businesses and wealthy individuals and to apply audit resources as appropriate to match those perceived risks.
