David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of businesses which are currently in arrears with their tax affairs; his estimate of the amounts involved in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15814/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that due to the varying nature of the different taxes and the timing of payment and statutory return obligations, it is their practice to publish data in relation to tax debts on an annual basis, facilitating a meaningful comparative analysis. The latest published figures for outstanding taxes were published on 31 March 2011. Of the total debt of €2,078m, €690m was under appeal and therefore not available for collection. For the first time since 2005 the debt decreased in 2011, by some €34m compared to 2010.

Revenue is currently finalising an upgrade of its analytical and management information systems to be able to report on the number of distinct business entities that are encompassed by the foregoing debt figures, on a cross tax head basis. This data will, when available be reported by Revenue as part of its annual report.

Revenue has a strong focus on making sure that everyone complies with their tax and duty responsibilities by paying the right amount of tax on time. Revenue expects businesses to continue, notwithstanding the challenging economic circumstances in which they are operating, to maintain a clear focus on being timely compliant and to ensure that tax debts are paid as they fall due. Revenue is fully determined to take the necessary collection enforcement action to pursue tax debts from taxpayers that fail to meet their liabilities on time and which do not engage fully and honestly with them in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to return their business to full tax compliance as quickly as possible. I support Revenue's approach on this matter.