Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 239: To ask the Minister for Finance his view on a matter (details supplied) regarding betting tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19426/12]

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

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that profits from the selective laying of bets on betting exchanges by persons other than licensed bookmakers would not be subject to income tax, nor would stamp duties, VAT or capital gains tax apply. In the case of a betting exchange established in the State, the commission charged to customers is chargeable to VAT at the standard rate of 23 per cent. An exemption from VAT will apply, however, in the case of a remote betting intermediary, within the meaning of section 64 of the Finance Act 2002, in respect of the supply of services the consideration for which consists of commission charges that are subject to betting intermediary duty imposed by section 67B of that Act. The coming into operation of betting intermediary duty, and the exemption from VAT for the supply of services to which that duty applies, are subject to Ministerial commencement orders. The making of those orders would follow the enactment of the proposed Betting (Amendment) Bill that is being drafted at present and which will provide the regulatory framework for the licensing of remote betting intermediaries and bookmakers.

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 240: To ask the Minister for Finance if he is considering in the context for Budget 2013, any changes to the tax bands or tax rates on income earned. [19428/12]

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

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government states that as part of the Government's fiscal strategy we will maintain the current rates of income tax together with bands and credits. This commitment was delivered in Budget 2012. As I have stated many times before in the House, the Programme for Government sets out our strategy in this matter and, subject to agreement with the Troika, we intend to continue to deliver on these commitments.

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 241: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide estimates of the expected decrease in direct revenue to the State from a 1% reduction in the lower and higher rates of income taxation respectively; and if he will provide same for a 10% increase in the respective tax bands. [19429/12]

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

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year costs to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2012 incomes, of reducing the standard and higher rates of income tax by 1 percentage point would be approximately €470 million and €205 million respectively. The estimated cost of increasing the standard rate tax bands by 10% would be approximately €540 million in a full year.

The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2012. They are, therefore, provisional and likely to be revised.

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 242: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons paying tax at each of the tax rates. [19430/12]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 246: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons earning income but not paying income tax. [19434/12]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 246 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is as follows, in respect of the income tax year 2012.

Projected Distribution of Income Earners for 2012

Numbers are rounded to nearest hundred.

The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2009 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2012.

They 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.