Tom Maguire: Audits will go ahead – but somewhat differently

The Revenue Commissioners have issued guidance on how audits should be conducted while Covid-19 restrictions are in place. What will it mean for the future?

The world of audits is set for a shake-up as a result of the pandemic. Illustration: Getty

The Revenue Commissioners recently published an electronic newsletter outlining how their staff will conduct audits amid the ongoing crisis. The move comes after certain audit and intervention activities were temporarily suspended last year.

Audits, in particular, are intrusions into a taxpayer’s business which are provided for by law. There may or may not be tax issues within that business, but that does not get around the fact that questions will be asked and the taxpayer’s ...