Local Thurles and Co. Tipperary TD, Mr Michael Lowry, has successfully challenged a Revenue Assessment which alleged that his tax affairs were not in order. This appeal decision comes as the former government minister faces trial on four charges of allegedly filing incorrect tax returns and a fifth count, latter relating to an alleged breach of the Ltd Companies Act. Following some two days of hearings before the Appeal Commissioners, same have resulted in official confirmation that Mr Lowry’s tax affairs were completely in order. The case against the 60-year-old alleged he had filed incorrect tax returns in 2003 and 2007.
In a statement this lunch time the local Deputy has confirmed that he is now seeking to have all charges struck out; on foot of this ruling by the Tax Appeal Commissioners.
Statement by Tipperary T.D. Mr Michael Lowry this lunchtime
“It is a matter of public knowledge that the Revenue Commissioners initiated a criminal prosecution against me before the courts. They took this extremely serious action on the grounds that I had committed a criminal offence by filing incorrect tax returns. This presumption by Revenue has now been proven to be unfounded.
I am very pleased to confirm that the Tax Appeal Commissioners have unanimously ruled that I have no tax liability and that my tax returns were correct. Two days of hearings before the Appeal Commissioners have resulted in official confirmation that my tax affairs were in order.
Garuda Ltd. T/A Streamline Enterprises was also successful in its appeal against a Revenue assessment for PAYE and PRSI tax.
From the outset the Revenue Commissioners were informed by my Legal team, my Accountants and by independent experts that their assessment was incorrect and that their assertions were grounded on false information. My professional advisers cooperated fully providing all relevant information and documentation which has disproved the allegations.
Further to the Appeal Commissioners decisive, clear-cut rejection of Revenue’s position, my legal team will now be asking the Courts to dismiss the Prosecution against me.”
Statement ends.
Mr Lowry’s legal team had already initiated a High Court Judicial Review of the Prosecution’s case prior to today’s decision.
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