Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
111. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance when local tax offices will be open to the public to facilitate taxpayers getting advice and assistance regarding their wish to make income tax returns in hard copy format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49173/21]
View answerRevenue has confirmed that the timelines around reopening offices and facilitating public access is kept under continuous review and will be considered further in line with the dates announced by Government for the easing of restrictions. In considering the most appropriate time to reopen offices, Revenue will continue to focus on customer and staff safety as its highest priority and, as was the case for most of its public offices before the pandemic, will re-open on an appointment only basis where all such meetings will fully observe the necessary social distancing protocols.
Throughout the pandemic, Revenue has continued to provide a full range of online services for taxpayers to manage their tax affairs, which for the most part remove any requirement to access public offices. These services, which include an online communications channel through the MyEnquiries system, are available 24/7, are easy to use and are fully secure.
For taxpayers who, for a variety of reasons, may not have access to the online services, Revenue is providing extensive support across its various telephone helplines and is operating a full service for queries being received through the postal system. Further details regarding the different telephone helplines is available on the Revenue website under "contact details", which may be of assistance to the Deputy. For the more complex matters that require one to one engagement, taxpayers can avail of virtual appointments with the relevant Revenue official through video-conferencing facilities.
Regarding income tax return filing, Revenue has advised me that mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) continues to be a requirement for most self-assessed taxpayers. The only exception is where a taxpayer is not e-enabled due to issues such as insufficient internet access, age related difficulties or physical/mental disability. Further information on mandatory e-filing, including the type of exclusions available is set out on the Revenue website (via "starting and running a business").
Finally, if the Deputy is aware of a specific taxpayer that requires assistance, he should provide the details through the Oireachtas Helpline and Revenue will make direct contact.
