I was delighted to read that the tax threshold for pensioners was raised to €13,200.

I was dismayed when someone wrote in the Times of Malta that all was not what it seemed. I, therefore, spoke to someone at the Department of Inland Revenue to explain it to me. It appears that this threshold only applies to people who enjoy a pension of €13,200 or more and who do not work.

As my pension is below that figure and I do work, I asked what my tax liability is compared to that of someone who has a pension (and who does not work) equivalent to my combined income. Apparently, I have the honour of paying nearly €1,000 more in tax.

If this makes any sort of sense to anyone, perhaps s/he would be kind to write in and explain it to us.

Also, does the government ever intend to pay tax rebates due from before the introduction of the FS system? I have written several times, and twice seen someone, about my claim. All that has happened over the past 19 years is that my letters have merely been archived.

Has any government ever made a provision for rebates due or are all claims being archived, that is, written off for ever?