Returns show tax take marginally ahead of targets
Latest exchequer returns released by the Department of Finance have indicated that the Government's total tax take for the first 10 months of the year has exceeded expectations by around 1%.
The Government collected €24.7bn in revenue for the period January-October, some €243m higher than forecast.
The performance is in large part down to corporation tax receipts being €238m better than expected, with other strong performances from VAT, customs and excise duties.
Income tax receipts however continue to be a problem with some €369m less than expected having been collected by the end of last month.
The exchequer deficit now stands at almost €14.4bn for the period, compared to €22.7bn at end October 2009.
Attention will now be focussed on November's returns when self-employed assessments and other targets must be met.
The Department said that the figures mean that the Government's targets for December's Budget remain valid.
