Net tax and duty receipts collected by the Revenue Commissioners rose 7.3% to €34.2 billion after three consecutive years of falling tax revenues.
In it annual report for 2011 today, Revenue said that its audit activity was up 20% last year with 11,000 tax audits carried out.
They yielded €520m in tax and penalties.
The construction sector was the biggest target with over 1,800 audits bringing in €58.8m.
Commissioner Josephine Feehily said cash businesses in the construction, pub and restaurant sectors would be 'at the top' of Revenue's list for 2012.
In addition, Revenue will 'pay close attention' to couriers, the security sector, nursing homes and solid fuel merchants to look for shadow economy activity and tax evasion.
