Budget set for December
It has been announced that Budget 2002 will be presented on Wednesday December 5th. The Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, will align the income tax and calendar years from 2002 onwards.
However, due to the resulting short tax year and the changeover to the Euro currency, the alignment will not be fully implemented next year.
Tax changes will occur at the end of February 2002, with a once-off correctional payment where relevant.
Social welfare changes will come into effect from mid-February and will also include a lump sum payment to cover arrears from the start of January 2002.
