Exchequer returns for the first eight months of the year show the Government has taken in over €1.4 billion more in tax revenue than it did in the same period last year.
That is a year-on-year increase of almost 5%.
The Department of Finance had forecast receipts of almost €30.7 billion for the eight months to the end of August.
However, revenues were just under €30.5 billion - that was 0.7% lower than expected.
In the month of August, revenues amounted to €2.66 billion, which was 0.8%, or €21 million higher than projected for the month.
Compared with the same month last year, revenues are up 9.4%, or €230 million.
The Exchequer had a surplus of €1.82 billion at the end of August, compared to a deficit of €329 million in the same period last year.
The improvement is due to the sale of 28% of the state's shareholding in AIB Bank.
Overall, total net voted expenditure to the end of August came in at €29.15 billion.
That was 0.8%, or €233m, lower than expected, but up 5.2% or €1.44bn in year-on-year terms.
The figures come just five weeks before Budget day on 10 October.
Between now and then there will be negotiations between various government departments and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.
Those discussions will decide how much each department will get to spend next year.
These latest figures point to the fact that Minister Donohoe will have to keep to tight spending plans. That will not be easy in context of demands for money for health, education and housing.
