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g a z e t t e
april
1991
Video on CAT self
assessment
I recently wrote to all solicitors
about the CAT training video.
I mentioned that the intensifica-
tion of audit procedures referred to
by the Minister for Finance in his
budget speech on 30 January,
1991, would necessitate a change
of emphasis in the administration
of CAT self assessment. In line with
the approach adopted for income
tax, returns will be accepted as
filed, subject to audit.
Revenue recognises that this
approach places the responsibility
for ensuring the accuracy of returns
squarely on solicitors and other tax
practitioners. During the initial
phase of self assessment, Revenue
devoted considerable resources to
providing advice and assistance to
tax practitioners. We will not have
the resources in future to provide
the same intensive level of support
on a continuing basis particularly as
the intensification of auditing will
require the deployment of staff to
this activity. In any event a pro-
fessional group such as solicitors
should not need such an intensive
briefing from the Revenue on a
continuing basis now that the initial
phase of self as ses sment is
complete.
This is where the video has an
important role. It ensures that soli-
citors have a permanent, relevant
and very p r ac t i cal source of
professional guidance.
The CAT training video is a
sens i b le i n v e s t me nt f or any
solicitor w i th a probate business.
The video alerts the viewer to many
of the mistakes being made at
present. The video was produced
w i th Revenue expertise and is
based on practical difficulties
encountered by practitioners. A tax
deductible outlay of £95 is hardly
excessive when the stakes are so
high for the client.
I have heard that some Bar
Associations have bought one
video to be shared amongst all
members. This is being penny wise
and pound foolish. The video
programme was not designed to be
v i ewed in one s i t t i ng. Each
practitioner should have a copy. It
is an easily accessible reference
source for refreshing knowledge
about specific areas of the tax
when a return in being filed or
when a client seeks advice. I know
that many tax practitioners spend
hours figuring out how to deal w i th
s i t u a t i o ns w h i ch are c l ea r ly
explained in the video.
It is obvious that a familiarity
w i th the contents of the video
would considerably increase the
accuracy of returns filed and
dispense w i th wasteful exchanges
of correspondence.
The bottom line is that your client
could lose a considerable amount
of money if mistakes are made
when filing CAT self assessment
returns. The video is an insurance
policy which helps to ensure that all
aspects are covered and that the
tax is correct.
I strongly recommend its pur-
chase d i r ec t ly f r om t he Law
Society.
Andrew McLaughlin,
Manager, CAT Self
Assessment
Unit,
Capita/ Taxes Branch.
Andrew McLaughlin
Ormond Hotel
Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7, Ireland
SOLICITORS
ENTERTAIN YOUR CLIENTS FOR
L U N C H
AT THE ORMOND HOTEL
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED
NEAR THE FOUR COURTS
IN THE HEART OF THE
DUBLIN LEGAL CENTRE
For
Reservations
Phone:
(01)
721811
83