Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 105: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of low paid workers that are outside the tax net. [17698/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

After Budget 2006, it is estimated that there are over 741,000 income earners, representing almost 36% of all earners, who are outside the tax net. This compares with a figure of about 380,000 or 25% of earners in the income tax year 1997/98. These numbers are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2002 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for 2006. These figures are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised. It should be noted that a married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. It should be also noted that the term "income earners" includes employees, pensioners and those taxed on a self-assessment basis.