Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 129: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for a P21 balancing statement to issue to persons (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of 2011 as a refund of tax may be due to them. [3427/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The persons concerned have PAYE income and income from self-employment. The self-employed individual re-registered for Income Tax with effect from 1st March 2011 and is jointly assessed for tax purposes with his spouse who pays PAYE.

Self-employed taxpayers are obliged to file an annual income tax return (Form 11) with the Revenue Commissioners. Jointly assessed couples include both partners' income from all sources, including PAYE related income, on this form. On receipt of the form the Revenue Commissioners issue a Notice of Assessment that sets out the liability to Income Tax, PRSI and USC. Any overpayment of tax or USC is then refunded without delay. A P21 is an end of year balancing statement exclusively for PAYE taxpayers and is not appropriate in these circumstances.

The self-employed person concerned can submit a 2011 Form 11 now. This can be done online by registering for Revenue's Online Service (ROS) at www.ros.ie or alternatively he can print and complete a paper version of the form which is available at www.revenue.ie and send it to Mr. Diarmuid O'Connor, Revenue House, Blackpool, Cork, marked for his personal attention. Once the form is received any refund arising will be made without delay.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 130: To ask the Minister for Finance the reasons the Revenue Commissioners will not accept term payments from small and medium enterprises seeking to pay their taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3454/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am assured by the Revenue Commissioners that in appropriate circumstances they do approve phased payment arrangements in respect of tax debt. Revenue is charged with responsibility for the timely collection and recovery of taxes and duties due to the Exchequer. Revenue has a clear focus on every person and business complying with the responsibility to pay the right amount of tax and on time. Delay in payment or indeed non-payment of tax impacts on the level of Government borrowing and associated public debt interest Additionally those who delay payment secure unfair competitive advantage over compliant businesses. I am satisfied that the Revenue approach to timely payment of tax is appropriate

I know that Revenue is conscious of the difficult economic and financial climate that prevails and has actively encouraged businesses and individuals experiencing particular payment difficulties to work proactively with them when such difficulties start to arise to find an agreed way forward and to quickly restore voluntary timely compliance. Thousands of businesses have successfully engaged with Revenue on such a basis.

Revenue has published comprehensive material for all businesses, including small and medium businesses, and individuals experiencing tax payment difficulties on its website at www.revenue.ie. If the Deputy is aware of any particular business in difficulty, he should encourage the business concerned to engage positively with Revenue on the lines set out in the material published by Revenue.