Taxman targets under the table payments in Galway blitz

The Revenue Commissioners is cracking down on Galway businesses that are paying ‘under the table’ wages to workers. Fraudulent cash businesses in the county that are under declaring VAT are also being targeted.

Revenue officials launched a series of swoops on towns and villages across County Galway targeting tax-dodging employers on ‘main street’ who employ workers ‘off the books’.

The random, unannounced checks are trying to unearth employers who are taking on workers but not paying Employers PRSI and tax. Retails outlets and businesses such as pubs, nightclubs, hotels, eateries and fast-food restaurants are firmly in the Revenue’s sights, as it fights to combat the ‘black economy’.

The taxman’s visits are also a clampdown on workers, casual or part-time, who are claiming dole payments or other social welfare benefits, and who are also getting paid ‘cash-in-hand’ and avoiding paying PAYE (tax on income earned).

The inspections have a dual purpose and the non-declaration or under-declaration of VAT returns, is also being checked by officials.Revenue has confirmed that it has carried out the random spot-checks in the past few weeks – prosecutions through the local district courts are expected to follow.

“So far this year, we’ve carried out streetscapes in Galway city, Oranmore, Ballinasloe, Aran Islands, Clifden, Eyrecourt, Kilconnell, Lawrencetown, New Inn, Aughrim, Mountbellew, Glenamaddy, Moylough, Kilkerrin, Ballygar, Caltra, Ahascragh and Newbridge. We also attended the Ballinasloe Horse Fair this week,” a spokesperson said.

It is understood larger towns such as Loughrea, Gort, Headford and Tuam are on its radar, although for operational reasons it declined to give details of upcoming swoops.

See full story in this week's Connacht Tribune.