Following discussions on this issue through the TALC process, Revenue have advised that they are now implementing a revised processing approach to improve the turnaround time on refund claims.

A number of steps are involved, including:

• Revisions to the Revenue computer systems to release refund claims more quickly for payment.
• New procedures to identify cases for checking at district level.

Further we understand that the method of case selection for checking is to move away from value based criteria to a risk basis during 2010. The risk rating which will be used is derived from the REAP audit case selection system.

While Revenue's attempts to improve refund times are welcome, the urgent need for an efficient tax refund system cannot be overstated. It seems that some refunds to corporates are still being delayed because Revenue do not have bank account details to effect the refund transfer electronically. We suggest that these details accompany all refund claims to bypass this potential bottleneck. Refunds to non resident companies will however continue to be paid by cheque.

Chartered Accountants Ireland would be glad to know from members of any improvements or deterioration in the processing of refund claims so that we can relay these to Revenue.