'Vast majority' of pensioners not in tax arrears
The Pensions Ombudsman Paul Kenny has said he is confident that pensioners will not be pursued by Revenue for small arrears in their taxes.
Mr Kenny met with Revenue officials today to discuss the controversy which has seen 115,000 pensioners told they owe extra tax.
He said Revenue has given a commitment that anyone overcharged will have their money repaid by the end of the month.
There is also a commitment to maintain ongoing contacts with social welfare so that pensioners will not find themselves racking up significant arrears.
Mr Kenny said the vast majority of people in arrears will not have to pay anything.
Mr Kenny said: "I think Revenue are fairly happy that the vast majority of the ordinary people out there won't be in major arrears situations.
"Certainly, it seems likely that there are some people whose arrears will be very small indeed and really not worth the cost of collecting."
