Revenue swoop on Christmas market Scrooges

A symbol of the festive cheer in Galway, the city’s Christmas market has been targeted by the taxman.

Revenue officials swooped on the Continental Christmas Market in the past week, in a crackdown on stall holders that may be operating in the ‘shadow economy’ – Scrooges trying to dodge tax.

The taxman also targeted Galway ‘pop-up’ shops to ensure they are tax compliant. Pop-up businesses are temporary shops and restaurants that have a limited life-span, and many have been set-up for the Christmas period only.

Revenue was targeting stall holders and owners of pop-up shops who employ workers ‘off the books’, and in the ‘black economy’.

The random, unannounced checks were an attempt by Revenue to unearth employers who are taking on workers but not paying Employers PRSI and tax.

The taxman’s visits were also a clampdown on workers, casual or part-time, who are claiming dole payments or other social welfare benefits, and who are getting paid ‘cash-in-hand’ and avoiding paying PAYE (tax on income earned).

Workers at pop-up shops and at stalls in the Christmas Market were quizzed by the inspectors about their employment situation in order to find out whether they were ‘above board’ employees.

The inspections have a dual purpose and the non-declaration or under-declaration of VAT returns, was also being checked by officials.

A Revenue statement added: “Tackling shadow economy activity is a key corporate priority for Revenue. We focus on sectors that have traditionally been susceptible to shadow activity, particularly cash businesses. Legitimate and compliant traders participating in events like Christmas Markets are reassured to see a Revenue presence as it shows our dedication to maintaining a level playing field for all businesses.”

Read more in this week’s Connacht Tribune