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38.13 Order To Inspect And Take Copies Of Entries In Books Or Records - Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 Section 908A As Amended

Form 38.13 is an Order to inspect and take copies of entries in books or records under Section 908A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, as amended. It is used when a court or Revenue authority needs access to a taxpayer’s accounting records for a tax investigation.

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Form Overview

38.13 Order To Inspect And Take Copies Of Entries In Books Or Records - Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 Section 908A As Amended

Form 38.13 is an Order to inspect and take copies of entries in books or records under Section 908A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, as amended. It is used when a court or Revenue authority needs access to a taxpayer’s accounting records for a tax investigation.

It records the details of the inspection request – the tax reference, the specific books or records, the time period, and the authorised inspector’s name.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is handing over more information than the order specifically requests.
  • Providing the wrong set of records
  • Missing the court‑set deadline
  • Allowing unqualified persons to copy the data
  • Failing to keep a signed receipt of inspection

Plain English

If the Revenue or a court wants to look at your business books, they issue this order. It tells the person or company to let an inspector copy the relevant entries. You’ll receive it as a formal legal request.

Submission Date

  • The order will state a specific date by which the inspection must be completed, often within 14‑30 days of service. Missing that date can trigger contempt proceedings.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • When a court has granted authority to inspect tax records.
  • When Revenue issues a formal inspection order under Section 908A.
  • When the request is limited to specific books or periods.
  • When you need a written, legally enforceable request rather than an informal letter.
  • When you must document compliance for future audit trails.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Revenue audit requestForm 38.13Court‑issued order, stronger enforcementVerify if a court order is already in place
Voluntary disclosure of recordsForm 37.01Self‑disclosure to RevenueUse only if you are initiating the disclosure
Data protection objectionForm DPA‑01GDPR‑related refusal to copyCheck data‑privacy exemptions before refusing

Deadline or filing window

The order will state a specific date by which the inspection must be completed, often within 14‑30 days of service. Missing that date can trigger contempt proceedings.

Before you submit

  • Read the entire order for scope and deadline.
  • Identify the exact books, ledgers or electronic files required.
  • Confirm the inspector’s credentials.
  • Prepare a secure copy‑room or digital extraction environment.
  • Schedule the inspection within the allowed timeframe.
  • Document the date, time and persons present.
  • Obtain a signed receipt from the inspector.
  • Return any required acknowledgment to the court or Revenue.
  • Keep a copy of the order and receipt for your records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Receive Form 38.13 by post or personal service.
  2. 2Log the order in your tax compliance register.
  3. 3Gather the specified records for the requested period.
  4. 4Notify the authorised inspector and arrange a suitable time.
  5. 5Allow the inspector to copy the entries and sign the receipt.
  6. 6Return the signed receipt and any required acknowledgment to the issuing authority.
  7. 7Archive the order and receipt for future reference.

Known limitations

  • The form does not cover electronic data stored overseas.
  • It cannot be used to request information unrelated to tax matters.
  • Only a court‑appointed or Revenue‑authorised inspector may act under this order.
  • The order does not waive data‑protection obligations.

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Current Form Status

Form 38.13 remains the current order template under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (Section 908A) as amended. No major redesign has been announced in 2024‑2025.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Confirm the form header shows the latest amendment date (2023).
  • Check that the tax reference number field matches the current Revenue reference.
  • Verify the inspector’s name and accreditation are up‑to‑date.
  • Ensure the period of records requested is clearly specified.
  • Look for any new signature block added after the 2022 amendment.

Quick Facts

The form is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland to the person or entity whose records are being inspected.
It records the details of the inspection request – the tax reference, the specific books or records, the time period, and the authorised inspector’s name.
It is issued after a tax investigation has been opened or a court has granted authority to inspect records. There is no filing deadline for the recipient; the order must be complied with within the time set by the court.
The order is served personally or by post to the taxpayer. Compliance is usually done at the address of the inspector or at the taxpayer’s premises, as specified in the order.
Failing to comply can lead to contempt of court, penalties, or further enforcement action by Revenue. Accurate compliance avoids additional legal costs and delays.
1. Read the order carefully to note the records requested and the deadline. 2. Gather the specified books, ledgers, or electronic files for the period named. 3. Arrange for a qualified inspector to attend and copy the entries. 4. Keep a signed receipt confirming the inspection was completed. 5. Return any required acknowledgement to the court or Revenue within the stated time.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
20/10/25

38.13 Order To Inspect And Take Copies Of Entries In Books Or Records - Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 Section 908A As Amended

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After you file

  • File the signed receipt with your internal audit records.
  • Update your tax compliance calendar with the inspection date.
  • Monitor for any follow‑up correspondence from the court or Revenue.
  • If discrepancies are found, seek clarification promptly.
  • Retain copies of the inspected records for the statutory retention period.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number from Courts Service of Ireland catalogue – confirmed.
  • Reference to Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 Section 908A – confirmed.
  • Typical inspection process steps – inferred from standard Irish tax inspection practice.
  • Deadline wording – not confirmed in official source.
  • Alternate forms list – not confirmed in official source.
  • Version amendment date – not confirmed in official source.

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up a Revenue audit request with a court order.

  • 2

    Assuming the order allows unrestricted copying of all data.

  • 3

    Overlooking the exact time period specified.

  • 4

    Failing to verify the inspector’s authority before allowing access.

  • 5

    Not keeping a signed receipt of the inspection.

  • 6

    Confusing the deadline for inspection with a filing deadline for a response.

  • 7

    Neglecting data‑privacy safeguards during copying.

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