The final set of tax receipts before the Budget show the Government has collected almost half a billion euro more than it had expected in the first nine months of the year.
Exchequer returns show €33.4 billion has been collected so far in 2016 - 1.5% more than had been forecast.
The Government collected over €4.1 billion in corporation tax in the year to September, which was more than €644m, or 18%, more than had been expected.
Revenue from excise duty was also ahead of target at €4.4 billion, 5% above forecast.
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However, income tax including the Universal Social Charge amounted to just under €13 billion, and this was almost 1% below expectation.
VAT receipts were also down, with €10 billion collected - which was 2.7% below forecast.
Overall, for the first nine months of the year, the Exchequer recorded a deficit of €25m. This compares with a shortfall of €104m for the same period last year.
The improvement was largely driven by an increase in tax revenue.
The Cabinet is to hold a special meeting on Thursday to discuss Budget 2017.
The Independent Alliance will meet in advance of the meeting.
At the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting this evening, concerns were raised about whether the Government's plans for first-time buyers would have any impact on supply.
However it looks as if a rebate for first-time buyers will be included in the Budget.
At the meeting Fianna Fáil members also said it was important that the party got its stamp on the Budget.
Commenting on the Exchequer figures, Tax Partner at Grant Thornton Peter Vale said: "Of significance is the more positive income tax receipts for September, following a weak August.
"While the figures for September are below target, they are ahead of September 2015 and indicate that the previous month may have represented a blip inconsistent with the positive jobs market data.
"However, income tax figures in particular will be closely scrutinised in the coming months."
