Amendments to legislation will give businesses filing their VAT return and payments online a seven-day extension past the deadline on the declaration form. The measure is intended to encourage more firms to use online services and, in turn, to aid their cash flow.

From January 1, those with an annual turnover of less than €7,000 will no longer be obliged to register. This means small traders and firms like start-ups will face less bureaucracy.

A “clearing house” for all surveys carried out by the public sector will be created so that duplication of requests for the same information from businesses will be avoided.

Regulation will only come into force where essential and eliminated where it is not needed. Where possible, a “sunset” clause will be inserted in new rules.

The government has pledged to intensify its fight against tax evasion and all forms of contraband.

Tougher measures will be introduced in tax law against falsification of records, documents or accounts which businesses are required to keep in manual or electronic formats.