Farmer wins €72,728 tax battle with Revenue Commissioners over Single Payment Scheme payment

In a win for farmers across Ireland, one farmer has successfully won a €73,728 tax battle with the Revenue over a payment dispute. The case, which was closely watched by many in the agricultural industry, centered around the farmer’s claim for repayment of VAT from the Revenue. This victory is a significant win for farmers who have faced similar payment disputes with the Revenue in the past, and it sets an important legal precedent for those in the industry.


After a tax dispute with the Revenue Commissioners over a €140,656 payment from the Department of Agriculture’s Single Payment Scheme (SPS), a farmer has won a tax case amounting to €72,728. The Revenue Commissioner had contended that the amount arose as a liability on the payment that the farmer had left out from his annual income tax returns. However, the farmer disagreed, arguing that the Revenue’s action was beyond the Tax Acts’ four-year time limit. The farmer appealed to the Tax Appeals Commission, which ruled in his favour, stating that the Revenue Commissioner was wrong to demand €72,728. The ruling indicated that the substantive issue of the payment’s taxation as income in the farmer’s account or his farm’s firm does not arise. The Commission has been asked to provide the High Court’s opinion on the case.


In conclusion, this success story serves as a reminder that it pays to stand up for your rights and fight for what you believe in. The farmer in question refused to back down in his dispute with Revenue and, as a result, is now almost €74,000 better off. While it can be daunting to take on a government agency, this case shows that it is possible to win, and that justice can prevail. This case also highlights the importance of seeking professional advice when dealing with tax matters, as even seemingly small errors or discrepancies can have significant financial implications. Ultimately, this victory is a testament to the power of perseverance and the courage to stand up against injustice.