Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason the Revenue Commissioners does not inform married couples or couples in a civil partnership on reaching 65 years of age of their possible entitlement to a tax exemption limit of €36,000 as a matter of course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39419/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Section 188 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides an exemption from Income Tax for persons aged 65 years and over where their income does not exceed €18,000 or €36,000 in the case of married couples or couples in a civil partnership. These exemption thresholds can be increased where there are dependent children and marginal relief is also available on incomes up to twice the threshold amount.

Revenue has confirmed that it always aims to make it as easy as possible for taxpayers to avail of their entitlements and in certain circumstances grants reliefs automatically. For example, the age-related tax credit is granted automatically in cases where Revenue has a date of birth on record for relevant individuals. However, it is not possible to automatically grant the age-related tax exemption as it is contingent on the level of income arising in a particular year.

Revenue has also advised me that it publishes detailed information on its website at link in relation to various reliefs that are available to taxpayers, including the age tax credit and the age related tax exemption.

I am aware that Revenue is currently carrying out a general review of the administrative processes that operate in respect of the various reliefs, including the age-related exemption and associated marginal relief to identify any further enhancements that would assist taxpayers to better understand and claim their entitlements.