Tax Collection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021

Wednesday, 24 February 2021

Questions (217)

David Stanton

Question:

217. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding late returns filed by businesses with the Revenue Commissioners for corporation tax; if the Revenue Commissioners are applying surcharges once again; his views on whether as businesses continue to trade during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that they should be afforded more time to make their returns without the imposition of a surcharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10396/21]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am aware that Revenue has implemented a range of administrative concessions to assist taxpayers, and their tax agents, in meeting tax return filing and payment deadlines since the beginning of the pandemic, including the suspension of late filing surcharges.

Regarding Corporation Tax (CT1) returns, I am advised by Revenue that late filing surcharges in respect of the 2019 tax year have been suspended since 23 March 2020. The suspension relates to all corporation tax accounting periods from June 2019 (due to be filed in March 2020) onwards.

For the 2020 Corporation Tax return, Revenue has added an extra month’s grace period to the official return filing deadline. For example, a 2020 CT 1 return with an accounting period ending on 30 June 2020 (due to be filed by 23 March 2021) will not incur a late filing surcharge if filed on or before 23 April 2021.

Revenue has confirmed to me that it is keeping the matter of return filing deadlines under review and has advised me that any business or tax agent who is struggling to meet deadlines should contact the relevant Revenue Branch Manager (via myEnquiries) to discuss the matter.