Home Knowledge Revenue’s Information Seeking Powers and Sources

Revenue’s Information Seeking Powers and Sources

March 12, 2015

The recent media coverage of the leaking of overseas bank account information raises interesting questions in relation to the use by Revenue of information obtained in this way. However, even without such leaks, the Irish Revenue has wide information gathering powers. Over recent years, Revenue has focused on offshore bank accounts and has used its powers to obtain detailed information from banks including, for example, details of non-Irish credit card transactions. But, exactly how does the Revenue obtain this information? What are the powers at their disposal when it comes to information gathering? For those impacted the consequences can be significant but importantly can differ depending on whether Revenue or the tax payer makes contact first.

The Irish Revenue’s information seeking powers are already provided for under Irish legislation and have been consistently strengthened over the years with the addition of new powers. Examples of such powers are:

  • The right to obtain information relevant to a tax payer’s liabilities from third parties including professional advisors such as tax advisors or accountants unless “legally privileged”
  • The power to enter a business premises to inspect records and require employees or others to direct them to relevant material

How are cases selected for a Revenue Audit?

Technology now plays a huge role when it comes to the selection of cases for an audit. Cases selected for a Revenue Audit are based on certain risk factors. Through Revenue’s Risk Evaluation Analysis and Profiling (REAP) system, which risk rates tax payers, and through Joint Investigation Units, where Revenue work with other Governmental Departments using shared facilities to access data, Revenue can quickly target what they consider to be high risk cases. The REAP model is also adjusted to take into account risks relevant to specific industry sectors where Revenue can identify where non-compliance has been high in the past. Revenue also operates a Random Audit Program wherein all tax payers stand an equal chance of being selected for a Revenue Audit. However, materiality and high risk cases are the key factors in Revenue Audit selection.

How can Revenue access information from international sources?

With the increasing move towards the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) with other countries, Revenue’s information-gathering powers have extended internationally. Measures that facilitate AEOI include:

EU Savings Directive -The EU Savings Directive, a measure introduced in 2005, requires EU Member States to automatically exchange information on interest paid to EU resident individuals.

The OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) -The CRS is a set of global standards for the exchange of financial information by financial institutions.

EU Directive on Administrative Cooperation – This Directive provides that EU Member States should engage in AEOI relating to residents of other EU Member States on 5 categories of income:

  • Employment income
  • Directors’ fees
  • Life insurance products
  • Pensions
  • Ownership of and income from immovable property

Double taxation arrangements – Exchanges of information are also provided for under certain double tax agreements and in some cases, Revenue can request information on bank accounts from foreign tax authorities under certain scenarios.

What is the difference between a proactive approach and a reactive approach in dealing with your tax affairs?

Making a disclosure of previously unreported income or undeclared tax to Revenue will often significantly lower the level of penalties applied. These reductions in penalties will vary depending on various factors including:

  • The magnitude of the tax default
  • Whether the disclosure was “prompted” or “unprompted” by Revenue
  • Whether there is cooperation on the tax payer’s part

However, particular care is needed in respect of undisclosed foreign bank accounts as Revenue, in certain circumstances, can limit the mitigation available.

A “qualifying disclosure” involves a written disclosure to Revenue setting out the details of a tax default, accompanied by a payment of the tax due plus interest. One of the biggest concerns for taxpayers who want to regularise their tax affairs is whether any settlements are made public. One of the benefits of making a “qualifying disclosure” is that where the disclosure is accepted by Revenue, the tax payer will not be published in the regular list of tax defaulters.

With the increase in Revenue’s detection powers and international developments in promoting tax compliance, the volume of information available to Revenue (both from local and international sources) is increasing. This, combined with the Revenue’s increased use of technology to select cases for audit, may be a cause for concern for those with undisclosed tax liabilities. Taxpayers with such concerns should consider making a qualifying disclosure to Revenue before Revenue contacts them first. By taking such a proactive approach, penalties can be significantly mitigated and embarrassing public settlements or any further action by Revenue can be avoided.