Revenue's New Year blitz on tax cheats

A crackdown by dozens of Revenue and Social Welfare inspectors across Galway in recent months is expected to lead to a surge of fraudster prosecutions here in the coming year.

Figures compiled for the Connacht Tribune show there were 160 prosecutions in 2012 for non-filing of tax returns. And Revenue have warned they will continue to “vigorously pursue” tax-dodgers.

The major operation is part of a key ‘shadow economy’ strategy by the Government which could see hundreds of thousands of euro collected in Galway through undeclared incomes, fraudulent welfare payments and fines.

Income tax, VAT, and other tax dodgers have been targeted by a Revenue computerised ‘risk rating’ system, while welfare fraudsters have also been nabbed through investigations and by anonymous informants.

The operation also involves house calls, undercover investigations and poring over bank records.

And those who have not yet paid their €100 household charge also face a Revenue audit when the City and County Council hand over their details.

Figures compiled for the Connacht Tribune show there were 160 convictions for non-filing of returns in Galway up to Christmas week 2012, compared to 159 for all of 2011.

“We had two successful prosecutions (VAT and P35-related) in Galway in 2011, where fines were imposed for the non-filing of returns. There were two successful prosecutions in 2012 also.

“We are determined to maintain high levels of compliance, despite the difficult economic circumstances. Our approach of providing quality service, while at the same time, vigorously pursuing those who do not comply, continues to prove effective," said a spokesperson.

See full story in this week's Connacht Tribune.