Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014
72. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who paid income tax on maternity benefits in 2013; the total yield from taxation of maternity benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22051/14]
View answer73. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form the tax expenditure associated with top slicing relief in each year from 2008 to 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22052/14]
View answer77. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of over 70s who are now subject to the standard rate of universal social charge; the number who are paying the reduced rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22060/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 73 and 77 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in respect of the year 2013 it is estimated approximately 26,700 maternity benefit claimants paid tax on this benefit, yielding an estimated €14 million in the year. I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the cost of top slicing relief, in each year from 2008 to 2011, is as set out in the following table. Data in respect of the year 2012 are currently being processed and will be available in due course, while data in respect of 2013 are still being collected.
Top Slicing Relief
|
Year |
Number of Claimants |
Estimated Cost €m |
|
2008 |
3,790 |
45 |
|
2009 |
6,110 |
48 |
|
2010 |
4,580 |
37 |
|
2011 |
3,350 |
32 |
Furthermore, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of income earners aged 70 and over, earning between €16,017 and €60,000 and who are subject to the reduced rate of Universal Social Charge (USC) is estimated at approximately 56,900. The number of income earners aged 70 years of age and over, earning over €60,000 and who are subject to the standard rate of USC is estimated at approximately 10,300. These figures are estimated by reference to 2014 incomes, from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2011, adjusted as necessary for income, employment and self-employment trends in the interim. These estimates are provisional and may be revised.
