A Revenue eBrief confirmed an extension to ROS functions to facilitate multiple printing of Forms P45. However there are other areas which Revenue might consider revisiting, perhaps to greater effect, as things begin to slow down. The Revenue eBrief, which is reproduced below, is not unwelcome but it addresses a symptomatic issue.

At a meeting of the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny, the Committee Chairman, in regard to Revenue, commented favourably on “its understanding of the additional bureaucracy being imposed on small business. Its approach is to recognise and appreciate the role which small companies play in the economy”.

It follows that there is surely a role for Revenue in focussing on underlying tax administration matters which result in cashflow and administrative costs to Irish business. Judging from correspondence and comments from members in recent weeks, these might include:

• Ensuring prompt repayment of overpaid taxes, in particular Preliminary Tax
• Re-examining required settlement procedures where there has been no loss of revenue to the Exchequer, specifically Relevant Contracts Tax settlements
• Assessing the necessity of enquiries and information gathering exercises which are time consuming and demanding of commercial resources, particularly for smaller businesses.

eBrief No. 39/2008 is reproduced in its entirety below:

“Revenue On-Line Service (ROS) – P45 Functionality

Revenue e-Brief 32/08 gave details of new ROS functionality, which allows customers to print up to 10 copies of P45 (1) (contained in a batch) from the ROS Inbox, at the same time. As a result of requests from our customers, this functionality has now been enhanced to allow up to 50 copies of P45 (1) to be printed at the same time.”