Date: 24 April 2020
Green Party spokesperson for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Steven Matthews TD, has called for leniency for businesses that missed the March 15th tax filing deadline which has left them unable to qualify for the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
As news emerges regarding the number of businesses impacted by this, Deputy Matthews said:
"This wage subsidy was brought in so that, as much as possible, businesses would keep staff on their books and be in a position to reopen once it is safe to do so. News that businesses are being rejected for the scheme based on a missed filing deadline is frustrating and seems to go against the spirit of the legislation.
"I completely understand the Revenue Commissioner’s position on this and accept that these businesses did miss the deadline. I am not seeking to dismiss the importance of filing deadlines but we are in incredibly unique circumstances. Business owners who missed the deadlines are not going to be the only ones suffering as a result of this. It may force businesses to lay off staff and in worst case scenarios, close their doors permanently resulting in longer term issues for the Exchequer.
"I am calling on the Minister for Finance to discuss this situation with the Revenue Commissioner to see if any allowance can be made to support the businesses impacted and their employees. I hope that a positive resolution can be found which reflects the extremely difficult situation business owners, and their employees, are in. I am not looking for a blanket decision, just that the door can be opened for Revenue to engage with individual businesses on a case by case basis."
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