asked the Minister for Finance how many tax-free allowance certificates issued by his Department in the last month were returned as incorrect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tax-free Allowance Certificates.
30.
A general issue of tax-free allowance certificates to give effect to the Budget increases commenced in mid-May. The total number of certificates involved is in excess of 800,000 and, of these, approximately 250,000 have been issued to date. Due to a computer programming error, effect was not given to all the Budget increases in a limited number of cases. The number of incorrect certificates sent back by taxpayers is approximately 2,000. Corrected certificates are being issued without delay in these cases.
Would the Minister not agree it is hard luck on people who have been expecting increased allowances to find that they got incorrect certificates which gave them reduced allowances? If they were not aware of the fact that a computer error occurred might not they have been inclined to hold on to the allowances they were given?
I agree it was unfortunate.
Can something be done about it?
In regard to those who got incorrect certificates?
Yes. Surely they will not be left with the wrong certificates? Will they be automatically notified or must they make fresh applications?
I assume they will be automatically notified and I will ensure that they are. The onus is on the Revenue Commissioners.
Were those 2,000 people from the one area. I know the staff from the Cork County Council got incorrect certificates.
I cannot say but I know it occurred in one batch. It is possible they were from the same geographical area.