Preliminary tax for the year 1999/2000 is due on November 1st, so avoid last minute panic and put your affairs in order now.

Unlike previous years, reminder letters will be issued to taxpayers or practitioners by the Collector-General rather than notices of preliminary tax from the Inspector of Taxes.

The letter will emphasise the basis for calculating the correct amount of preliminary tax due for 1999/2000. For example, either 90 per cent of the final liability for 1999/2000 or 100 per cent of the final liability for 1998/1999 is due.

Revenue says these criteria will be displayed more prominently and emphasis is being placed on the obligation of the taxpayer to pay the correct amount of preliminary tax.

If up to date information on the taxpayers recent income tax liabilities is available to Revenue, a guideline figure of the preliminary tax payment will be shown on the letter.

However, this figure is solely to be used as a guide amount and does not remove the obligation on the taxpayer to pay the correct amount due in accordance with the above mentioned rules.

If information is unavailable on the taxpayers liabilities then a guideline figure will not be displayed.

Failure to pay the correct preliminary tax amount gives rise to an interest liability. By now, all preliminary tax letters should have been received by taxpayers and practitioners.

Any queries regarding payment of this tax should be addressed to: Office of the Collector-General, Sarsfield House, Limerick or telephone: 1890 203070.