Income Tax Returns

Finance Bill 2025, Increased Revenue Powers, Income Tax and Corporation Tax

The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, published Finance Bill 2025 today, 16th October 2025, giving effect to the tax measures announced in Budget 2026 of last week.

Section 31 of the Bill introduces a new Section 959AX TCA 1997 to Part 41A TCA 1997. This legislation gives the Revenue Commissioners the authority to estimate corporate and income tax liabilities and serve notice in writing specifying the estimated tax due in circumstances where the taxpayer fails to file the required Tax Return within the specified return date. This estimated figure will be based on the higher of (i) the average amount of tax due on the two most recent tax returns, or (ii) €1,000.

Section 90 of the Bill amends the wording in Section 811C (4)(a) TCA 1997, which strengthens Revenue’s powers to counteract tax avoidance by expanding the scope of the legislation.  This amendment extends and enhances the Revenue Commissioners’ authority to withdraw or deny, at any time, tax advantages arising from tax avoidance transactions.  It specifically pertains to situations where an individual either takes or fails to take any other action, which directly or indirectly, seeks to obtain a tax advantage as a result of a tax avoidance transaction.

Section 93 of the Bill amends Section 638A TCA 1997.  This extends the transfer of rights and obligations under company mergers or divisions to include those arising under Part 4A TCA 1997. It provides that the Pillar Two compliance obligations, including tax payments and filings, will transfer to the successor company or companies, under a merger or division.

Section 879 TCA 1997 provides that the Revenue Commissioners may issue a notification to a taxpayer requesting that individual to deliver a tax return, in any tax year. Section 94 of the Bill amends Section 869 TCA 1997 allowing Revenue to issue such Income Tax Return Notices electronically i.e. via MyAccount or ROS.

Section 95 of the bill amends Section 959AA of the TCA 1997.  This amendment expands the Revenue Commissioners’ power to make or revise a tax assessment outside the standard four year time limit, so as to give effect to a Mutual Agreement Procedure outcome under a Tax Information Exchange Agreement, by virtue of section 826(1B) TCA 1997. Currently, under existing rules, a Revenue officer is allowed to make such an extended assessment in circumstances where a MAP is reached under a double taxation agreement.

Section 98 amends Section 959I TCA 1997 by inserting a new subsection 6 to clarify that a “chargeable person” may still make a claim for an allowance, deduction or relief even where that tax return is filed after the specified deadline date, unless, another provision in the Taxes Acts explicitly prevents the making of such a late claim.

For further information, please click: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/press-releases/minister-donohoe-publishes-finance-bill-2025/

If you have received a notification of a level 1 or 2 Revenue Compliance Intervention or a level 3 Investigation into your or your company’s tax affairs, please contact us.  We also carry out tax health checks for companies and individuals to assist in identifying potential areas of exposure.For a full professional taxation advice and compliance service, please contact us at queries@accountsadvicecentre.ie

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

Tax Credits. Budget 2026 Ireland. Income Tax. Personal Taxes. Tax Reliefs

Budget 2026 introduced a wide range of updates across Ireland’s tax system. The following Tax Credits and Reliefs are being extended:

1. The Rent Tax Credit is being extended for a further three years.  It is due to expire at the end of 2028.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/land-and-property/rent-credit/index.aspx

2. The income tax deduction for landlords retrofitting properties is extended for another three years.  It is available for works carried out up to 31st December 2028.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/rental-income/deduction-for-retrofitting-expenditure/index.aspx

3. The Income Tax Exemption for households which sell electricity from micro-generation back to the grid is extended for a further three years to 31st December 2028.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-07/07-01-44.pdf

4. The Mortgage Interest Tax Relief is being extended for a further two years. Relief will be available at the standard Income Tax rate, with the maximum 2025 relief capped at €1,250 per property and €625 per property for 2026.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/land-and-property/mortgage/index.aspx

5. The USC Concession for medical card holders will be extended until 31st December 2027.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/current-year/budget-summary.pdf

6. The €5,000 Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) Relief for new electric vehicles is extended until 31st December 2026.

For further information, please click link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/speeches/statement-by-minister-donohoe-on-budget-2026/

7. Employee Benefit-in-Kind Relief for employer provided vehicles (for cars in categories A-D and to all vans) is to be extended, on a tapered basis, until the end of 2028.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/current-year/budget-summary.pdf

8. Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) has been extended by 5 years to 2030.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/current-year/budget-summary.pdf

9. Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) has been extended to 31st December 2028 subject to approval from the European Commission.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/current-year/budget-summary.pdf

10.Foreign Earnings Deduction (FED) has been extended by 5 years to 2030.

For further information, please click link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/budget-information/current-year/budget-summary.pdf

Accounts Advice Centre provides a top tier level service for all personal income tax matters, from filing tax returns to offering specialist advice on complex taxation issues. We have over thirty years experience providing expert tax advice, tailored for individuals and their families. For a full professional taxation advice and compliance service, please contact us at queries@accountsadvicecentre.ie

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

Budget 2026. Income Tax. Personal Taxation. Analysis of Income Tax Reliefs and Excemptions.

Today, Tuesday, 7^th October 2025, the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation, Jack Chambers presented Budget 2026.  In this series of articles, we have outlined some of the tax changes that we consider most relevant under the following headings (a) Personal Tax, (b) Business Taxes, (c) VAT, (d) Housing/Property, (e) Agri-taxation, (f) Investments and (g) Global Mobility and Employment.

PERSONAL TAX

• Unlike in previous recent Budgets, there were no increases to the income tax rate bands and tax credits announced in Budget 2026.  However, there will be a reduction in the tax rate, from 41% to 38%, in relation to certain investments including Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), certain Irish domiciled funds, certain life assurance policies, equivalent offshore funds and certain foreign life assurance policies

• The reduced Universal Social Charge for qualifying medical card holders will be extended until 31^st December 2027.  This applies to medical card holders earning less than €60,000 per year.  This ensures that such individuals continue to pay a reduced USC rate of 0.5% on the first €12,012 of their income with 2% on the balance.

• From 1^st January 2026, the National Minimum Wage will increase to €14.15.  The 2% USC rate band will increase from €27,382 to €28,700.  This means that the salary of a full-time employee on the minimum wage will remain outside the 3% rate of USC.  Incomes of less than €13,000 continue to remain exempt from USC.

• The Rent Tax Credit (RTC), which was due to expire on 31^st December 2025, has been extended for three more years to 31^st December 2028.  The maximum value of the RTC will remain at €1,000 for single individuals and €2,000 for jointly assessed couples or civil partners.

• Mortgage Interest Relief has been extended to 31^st December 2026. It will remain at current levels for 2025, however, it will reduce by 50% for 2026.  As you’re aware, this tax credit can be claimed for taxpayers who have made increased mortgage interest payments in relation to a qualifying loan for a principal private residence in 2025 when compared to 2022. For 2025 the relief is capped €6,250 per property.  This equates to a maximum tax credit of €1,250.  For 2026, the maximum tax credit of €625 will be available, based on the increase in interest paid in 2026 as compared to the mortgage interest paid in 2022.  There is no change to the qualifying criteria and the relief remains available to homeowners with an outstanding mortgage balance of between €80,000 and €500,000, as of 31^st December 2022.

• The Finance Bill 2025 will include additional amendments to the tax treatment for the Auto Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings Scheme which will address the tax treatment of AE retirement savings on the participant’s death as well as exempt AE provider schemes from Investment Undertaking Tax and exempt employer AE contributions from USC.

• For, households that sell electricity back to the grid from micro-generation, the Income Tax relief that exempts income of up to €400 per annum, is extended, for three years, up to 31^st December 2028.

• As you may remember, in Finance Act 2023, a temporary universal reduction to the Original Market Value of some vehicles for the purposes of calculating BIK was introduced.  This temporary universal relief of €10,000 applied to the Original Market Value of vehicles in Category A to D.  Budget 2026 extended this Benefit-in-Kind Relief by one year i.e. this relief will remain at €10,000 for 2026.  It will then reduce to €5,000 in 2027 and €2,500 in 2028.  It will be abolished from 2029.

• From 1^st January 2026, there will be a new vehicle category (A1) for employer provided vehicles with zero-emissions, for Benefit in Kind purposes.   It will apply with BIK rates of between 6% to 15% from 2026, depending on business mileage.  Where an employee undertakes high business mileage, the lower threshold of the upper mileage band will be permanently reduced from 52,001km to 48,001km.

• Finally, for those involved in the manufacture of Uilleann Pipes and Irish Harps, the exemption from Income Tax of a maximum profit of €20,000 generated from the manufacture, maintenance and repair of uilleann pipes and early Irish harps is being extended for three years to 31^st December 2028.

For further information, please click: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/publications/your-guide-to-budget-2026/

Accounts Advice Centre provides a tax advisory and compliance service tailored to the needs of our diverse client base, their families as well as collaborating with their advisors.  With over thirty years’ experience in domestic and international tax, we provide an efficient service to ensure that you meet all deadlines and are not exposed to an unnecessary tax interest and penalties.  To discuss what we can do for you, please contact us at queries@accountsadvicecentre.ie

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

Income Tax Return Deadline. ROS Pay and file. Form 11 Personal Tax Returns

Revenue eBrief No. 156/25 was published on 7th August 2025.

Tax and Duty Manual Part 38-06-01a has been updated to contain the following:

• A link to access further information on Revenue’s new agent eLinking facility is provided in paragraph 6.5.1.
• Paragraph 7.1.2 states that payments via Commercial Debit Cards will no longer be accepted from 1st September 2025.
• Paragraph 8.8 provides some information as well as a link to access further details ion the Residential Premises Rental Income Relief (RPRIR).
• Paragraph 8.9 provides information as well as a link to further details is provided on the Retrofitting Rental Properties Relief (RRPR).

If an individual was tax compliant as at 31st December 2024, they can claim the RPRIR for 2024 provided:

• the individual holds a Tax Clearance Certificate at the time their 2024 income tax return is filed and
• the other conditions required to claim the relief are satisfied.

For further information, please click: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-38/38-06-01a.pdf

If you require assistance filing your Form 11 Income Tax Return, please contact us at queries@accountsadvicecentre.ie

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

Income Tax Return. Filing Form 11. Self Assessment Personal Tax Returns. 31st October 2025 Filing Deadline

You will need to file an Income or Personal Tax Return on or before 31^st October 2025 if you are one of the following:

1. A self employed individual, someone working on a freelance/consultancy basis or a contractor.

2. A proprietary director i.e. a Director of a limited company who can control in excess of 15% of the ordinary share capital of the company, either directly or indirectly.

3. A Holder of an investment fund i.e. where an individual acquires a material interest in certain investment funds, that person may be deemed to be a chargeable person for that period. This means that they must file the relevant tax return and include details of the fund in that return.

4. If you receive income and gains in relation to certain investment funds.

5. If you have an eight year anniversary in relation to your investment fund.

6. A landlord with long term commercial or residential rentals.

7. An individual with short-term lettings including the provision of self-catering accommodation, Airbnb income, etc.

8. If you have deposit interest, dividend income, shares in lieu of dividends, foreign rental income, etc.

9. If you carry out professional services on which PSWT is charged.

10. If you have disposed of assets.

11. If you are a non-domiciled person who has remitted taxable foreign income or gains to Ireland.

12. If you have received, earned or generated income from any source, other than your Irish employment.

The tax return deadline is Wednesday 19th November 2025 for those that file their Tax Return and pay their associated Tax liability through ROS.

If you do not use ROS, then the tax deadline is 31^st October 2025.

In summary, you are required to:

• File your 2024 self-assessment Income Tax Return
• Pay the balance of your 2024 Income Tax liability and
• Pay your 2025 preliminary tax

On or before either (a) 31^st October 2025 or (b) 19^th November 2025 if you file through ROS

For further information, please click the link:  Revenue eBrief No. 088/25

For assistance in preparing your Income Tax Return by the 31st October 2025 deadline, please contact us at queries@accountsadvicecentre.ie

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

Income Tax Returns, Corporation Tax Returns, Level 1 Compliance Intervention, Revenue Non-Filer

As part of the Irish Revenue Commissioners’ Annual Non-Filer Programme, Notices will be sent to taxpayers who are currently registered for Income Tax or Corporation Tax but who have not filed Income Tax or Corporation Tax Returns for tax years up to and including 2023.  Tax Agents will receive a ROS Inbox Notification on 31^st January 2025 providing them with a list of clients who have been issued with a Reminder to File Notice.  Please be aware that this notice is what is deemed to be a Level 1 Compliance Intervention.

If you have received a Notice but you are no longer considered to be a “Chargeable Person”, the advice is to cancel your Income Tax or Corporation Tax registration as soon as possible.

For full information on who is deemed to be a “Chargeable Person” please click:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-41a/41a-01-01.pdf

According to Revenue’s “Reminder to file – Income Tax Return” Notice:

“This notice is a Level 1 Compliance Intervention in accordance with Revenue’s Compliance Intervention Framework. The non-filing of a required tax return by chargeable persons can result in a penalty charge and a more detailed review by Revenue. It is also an offence for which a person can be prosecuted. Further information on your rights and obligations under Revenue’s Compliance Intervention Framework can be found on www.revenue.ie.

In addition, if the tax return(s) is not filed it may lead to the loss or refusal of tax clearance.”

According to Revenue’s “Reminder to file – Corporation Tax Return” Notice:

This notice is a Level 1 Compliance Intervention in accordance with Revenue’s Compliance Intervention Framework. The non-filing of a required tax return can result in a more detailed review by Revenue. It is also an offence for which a person can be prosecuted. It can also result in the restriction of certain reliefs, and the loss or refusal of tax clearance. Further information on your rights and obligations under Revenue’s Compliance Intervention Framework can be found on www.revenue.ie.

For further information, please click:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm-wm/compliance/returnscompliance/it-and-ct-returnscompliance/income-tax-and-corporation-tax-non-filer-programme.pdf

If you receive a Level 1 Notification and you are required to file Tax Returns for outstanding years, please contact us at queries@accountsadvicecentre.ie

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

Income Tax. Corporation Tax. Capital Acquisitions Tax. Capital Gains Tax. Local Property Tax. VAT. Pay and File Deadlines.

January is a very important month in terms of pay and file obligations.  To avoid exposure to interest and penalties, please find below a list of pay and file deadline dates for January 2025 under the following tax heads: Income Tax, Corporation Tax, VAT, Local Property Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax, Dividend Withholding Tax and Professional Services Withholding Tax.

1^st January 2025

• 2024 Employment Detail Summary is available.

• The minimum Wage Increased to €13.50 per hour.

• Changes to USC – The 4% rate is reduced to 3% and the entry threshold increases to €27,382.01

• Changes to Rate Bands from €42,000 to €44,000 for individuals. Married couples and civil partners with one income will increase to €53,000 and married couples and civil partners with two incomes will increase to €88,000.

• Increases from €1,875 to €2,000 for Single Persons, Employee PAYE Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credits and Widowed Person or Surviving Civil Partner with dependent child(ren).

• Commencement of phased payments for Local Property Tax.

• Increases in VAT thresholds for goods and services. From €40,000 to €42,500 for services. From €80,000 to €85,000 for goods.

• The increased thresholds for Capital Acquisitions Tax: From €335,000 to €400,000 (Group Class A), from €32,500 to €40,000 (Group Class B) and €16,250 to €20,000 (Group Class C)

10^th January 2025

Latest date for paying Local Property Tax in full through an approved PSP, or by debit or credit card.

14^th January 2025

• Monthly Return and payment for PAYE, PRSI and USC for December 2024 – The payment date is extended to 23rd for users who pay and file via ROS.

• Quarterly Return and payment for PAYE, PRSI and USC for the period October to December 2024 – The payment date is extended to 23rd for users who pay and file via ROS.

• Return and payment of Dividend Withholding Tax for December 2024

•  F30 Monthly Return and payment of Professional Services Withholding Tax for December 2024

15^th January 2025

Monthly direct debit payments for Local Property Tax (LPT) start and continue on the 15th day of every month, thereafter.  Date extended to 21st March 2025 if paying by Annual Debit Instruction.

19^th January 2025

• Monthly VAT3 Return & Payment for December 2024.

• Bi-Monthly VAT3 Return & Payment for period 1^st November to 31^st December 2024.

• Four Monthly VAT3 Return & Payment for period 1^st September to 31^st December 2024.

• Bi-Annual VAT3 Return and payment for period 1^st July to 31^st December 2024.

• Annual VAT3 Return and payment for period 1^st January to 31^st December.

Return of Trading Detail:

• where the VAT accounting period ends between 1st and 31^st December and monthly VAT3 Returns are filed.

• where the VAT accounting period ends between 1st November and 31^st December and bi-monthly VAT3 Returns are filed.

• where the VAT accounting period ends between 1st September and 31^st December and four-monthly VAT3 Returns are filed.

• where the VAT accounting period ends between 1st and 31^st December and annual VAT3 Returns are filed.

For ROS filers, the time limit for filing a VAT return is extended to the 23rd day of the month.

1^st to 21^st January 2025

• Corporation Tax Preliminary Tax for Accounting Periods ending between 1^st and 28^th February 2025

• Corporation Tax Returns for Accounting Periods ending between 1^st and 30^th April 2024.

•  Corporation Tax Balancing payments due for Accounting Periods ending between 1^st and 30^th April 2024

For ROS filers, the time limit for filing a CT Return and/or payment is extended to the 23rd day of the month.

31^st January 2025

• Payment of capital gains tax for assets sold between 1^st December 2024 and 31^st December 2024

• OSS VAT return and payment for the period 1^st October to 31^st December 2024

• IOSS Monthly Return and payment due for period December 2024.

For VAT details, please click:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-registration/who-should-register-for-vat/vat-thresholds.aspx

https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-ecommerce/import-oss/index.aspx

For information on Standard Rate Bands and Tax Credits, please click:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/tax-relief-charts/index.aspx

For further information on Local Property Tax, please click:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/paying-your-lpt/index.aspx

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

Property Taxes Ireland

Understand the Tax measures of Budget 2025 which relate to property transactions, at a glance.

Today, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, announced the details of Budget 2025.

As anticipated, Budget 2025 introduced several tax measures in relation to property.

This article will focus on the property related tax measures introduced by Budget 2025, under Income Tax/Personal Tax, Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT), Stamp Duty, Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) and Value Added Tax (VAT).

INCOME TAX / PERSONAL TAX

 Rent Tax Credit

• Budget 2025 raised the Rent Tax Credit

• The Rent Tax Credit has been increased to €1,000 for individual renters, or €2,000 per year for jointly assessed married couples/civil partners.

• This applies to the tax years 2024 and 2025.

• Prior to this, the Rent Tax Credit for 2024 was worth €750 for a single individual and €1,500 for a jointly assessed married couple/civil partners.

• As a result of Budget 2025, these new rates have been backdated to cover the 2024 tax year as well as the 2025 year of assessment.

 Mortgage Interest Relief

• Mortgage Interest Relief has been extended.

• There has been no change to the qualifying criteria.

• Homeowners must have an outstanding mortgage balance on their principal private residence of between €80,000 and €500,000 as of 31st December 2022.

• Qualifying homeowners will be eligible for this tax relief in respect of the increased interest paid on their mortgage in 2024 as compared with 2022.

• Tax Relief is at the standard Income Tax rate of 20%.  The Tax Credit is capped at €1,250 per property.

• To claim Mortgage Interest Relief, the taxpayer must file a Tax Return and the taxpayer must be compliant with Local Property Tax (LPT) requirements.

Help to Buy Scheme

• The Help to Buy Scheme has been extended for a further four years at the current rates until the end of 2029.

• The aim of the scheme is to provide certainty for future homebuyers as well as the Irish property market.

• The Help to Buy Scheme is a tax rebate available to first-time buyers to enable them to buy a newly built or self-built house or apartment provided the cost of that purchase is €500,000 or less.

• With the extension of this scheme, first-time buyers of residential property will be able to continue to avail of (i) Income Tax and (ii) Deposit Interest Retention Tax refunds to help them purchase their home.

• The scheme offers a tax refund to first-time buyers, with a maximum value of €30,000 or 10% of the property price, whichever is less.

• The refund will be from the four tax years prior to when the application is made.

• The refund will not include any refunds already claimed.

Pre-Letting Expenses Relief

• Under Pre-Letting Expenses Relief, the current tax relief, capped at €10,000 per premises, for certain pre-letting expenditure will be extended for a further three years to 31^st December 2027.

• Section 97A TCA ‘97, which deals with rental expenses, provides that certain expenses incurred on a vacant residential property before its first letting following a period of non-occupancy are allowable as a deduction against rental income from that specific premises.

• To be allowable, the pre-letting expenses (capped at €10,000 per property) must be incurred on a property that was vacant for a minimum of six months and is then let as a residential property on/before 31^st December 2027.

• These provisions allow for a deduction for certain pre-letting expenses which, otherwise wouldn’t be allowable.

RESIDENTIAL ZONED LAND TAX (RZLT)

• As part of its strategy to meet an increased demand for housing, the Irish Government introduced the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT), which is a new tax on land which is zoned for residential development and which has, in place, all the necessary services to develop housing.

• It was originally introduced in Finance Act 2021 and stated that owners of lands which are zoned under the RZLT were to be taxed at a rate of 3% of the site’s market value from 1^st February each year commencing in 2025.

• Owners whose properties are subject to Local Property Tax and have a garden exceeding one acre will not be obliged to pay Residential Zoned Land Tax. They will, however, be required to complete and file a Tax Return containing details of the property.

• Budget 2025 has provided landowners with an option to re-zone their land, based on the economic activity carried out on their land and to seek changes to the zoning maps in advance of the final maps being published on 31^st January 2025.

• In summary, Budget 2025 has announced a new process available to certain landowners to obtain an exemption from the tax in 2025 where their land should not be subject to the tax.

• Budget 2025 has also introduced a twelve month deferral of the liability between the date planning permission was granted and the commencement date of the development

STAMP DUTY

New 6% Residential Rate

A new 6% rate of Stamp Duty has been introduced on residential properties from 2^nd October 2024.

The stamp duty rates for residential properties will now be as follows:

• 1% on consideration up to and including €1m

• 2% on consideration over €1m and up to and including €1.5m

• 6% on consideration over €1.5m

The existing stamp duty rates will continue to apply to instruments executed before 1^st January 2025 on foot of a binding contract in place before 2^nd October 2024.

10% rate for Bulk Purchases increased to 15%

• Where a person acquires at least ten residential units during any twelve month period, the higher rate of stamp duty is being increased from 10% to 15%, with immediate effect.

• The existing 10% rate will continue to apply to instruments executed before 1^st January 2025 where a binding contract was in place before 2^nd October 2024.

VACANT HOMES TAX (VHT)

• A Vacant Homes Tax (VHT) was introduced by the Irish Government in Finance Act 2022 to encourage an increase in the supply of residential properties available for rent or purchase. As a further incentive, Budget 2025 has increased the rate of the VHT from five to seven times a property’s existing base Local Property Tax (LPT) liability.

• This will take effect from 1st November 2024 i.e. the next chargeable period for Vacant Homes Tax.

• VHT applies to any residential property which is occupied for less than 30 days in a twelve month period between 1st November and 31st October of the following year.

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)

VAT Rate on Heat Pumps

• A reduction in the VAT rate for heat pumps to 9% is effective from 1^st January 2025.

• This applies to the supply and installation of heat pumps.

• The heat pumps must meet specific technical standards, as outlined in the EU Directive.

• The aim is to encourage homeowners to install heat pumps to support climate action.

VAT Rate for Gas & Electricity

• The 9% rate of VAT on gas and electricity is to be extended until 30^th April 2025.

• The rate had been due to revert to 13½% on 1^st November 2024.

• The aim of this extension is to reduce the cost of living.

For full information on Budget 2025, please click https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e8315-budget-2025/

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

UK Taxes. Self assessment Taxes. Personal Taxes. UK Tax Returns

In the United Kingdom, the tax year commences on 6th April and ends on the following 5th April.  HMRC have published a set of criteria which outlines the taxpayer’s requirements in order to accurately and correctly complete a self-assessment tax return.  For further information please click link:  https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return

You are required to file a self-assessment form if you are a self-employed individual or if you receive untaxed income, for example, from rental properties.  In other words, the self-assessment system applies to any individual whose income is not automatically taxed at source. To check if you need to file a self-assessment tax return please click: https://www.gov.uk/check-if-you-need-tax-return

For the 2023/24 tax year, taxpayers in receipt of PAYE earnings of up to £150,000 are no longer required to file a self-assessment tax return, provided, of course, that they do not meet any of the other self-assessment criteria outlined by HMRC.

The self-assessment deadline is 31st January 2025 for online submissions, however, if you submitted a paper tax return, the deadline was 31^st October 2024.  Please keep in mind that the tax is still due by 31^st January 2025.

Online Tax Returns must be filed and all outstanding tax paid on or before 31st January following the end of the tax year.

In other words:

1. the online 2023/2024 self-assessment tax return must be submitted on or before 31^st January 2025.

2. The deadline for paying tax due for the 2023/24 tax year is 31^st January 2025 and

3. The first payment on account for the 2024/25 tax year is 31^st January 2025

Failing to file your tax return or pay your taxes by the appropriate date can result in penalties. Missing the 31^st January deadline comes can result in significant penalties even if no tax is owed.  For full details, please click: https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns/penalties

In summary, missing any of the Self-Assessment deadlines can result in penalties and interest. A delay in filing your Tax Return by a single day can result in a £100 fine, even if you don’t actually owe any tax.

You can register for self-assessment through the HMRC website before the deadline of 5^th October.  For further information, please click: https://www.gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.

Filing Tax Returns. Income Tax. Personal Taxes. Self assessment. Sole Traders. Company Directors

The Income Tax Return filing deadline is 31st October 2024.  That deadline date is extended to 14^th November 2024 provided you file both (a) your Income Tax Return and (b) your Income Tax Balance due for 2023 plus your 2024 Preliminary Tax.

When preparing your 2023 Income Tax Return, here are some Tax Reliefs you may not have considered before:

Childminders Tax Relief Scheme

You could be entitled to the Childminder’s Tax Relief if:

• You mind three or fewer children in your own home at any one time and

• You earn no more than €15,000 per annum.

• You must have informed the HSE that you will be providing such services in your own home.

• You must be registered as self employed and registered under self assessment.

No tax will be payable on the childminding earnings received, provided the amount is not more than €15,000 per annum.

As you cannot deduct any expenses, there is no requirement to maintain and keep detailed accounts.

If another person provides childcare services with you in your home, the €15,000 income limit is divided between you.

Despite the fact that you may have no Income Tax liability, you are obliged to file a Form 11 Tax Return by 31^st October 2024 or 14^th November 2024, whichever is relevant to you.

If, however, the childminding income exceeds the €15,000 annual threshold, the total amount will be taxed as normal under the self-assessment rules.

For further details, please click: https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-07/07-01-29.pdf

Irish rent tax credit

The Rent Tax Credit was introduced in Budget 2023 which is available for the tax years 2022 to 2025 inclusive.

In Budget 2024, the Rent Tax Credit was increased by €250.

When completing your 2023 Form 11 Tax Return the rent tax credit is worth a maximum of €500 per year from 2023 for a single individual and €1,000 for a married couple.

The rent tax credit is calculated as 20% of the rent paid in the year and is capped at €500 for a single person or €1,000 for a couple who are jointly assessed to tax.

When calculating your 2024 Preliminary Tax liability, the rent tax credit increases to €750 for a single individual and €1,500 for a married couple.

Please be aware that the claim must relate to rental payments which both (a) fell due and (b) were actually paid during the tax year of assessment.

This tax credit will only be available to taxpayers who are not in receipt of any other housing supports.

For further details, please click: https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/land-and-property/rent-credit/index.aspx

Training Course Fees

Relief is available for fees between €317 and €1,270 paid in respect of Information Technology and Foreign Language courses which are on Revenue’s list of approved Courses.

To check the eligibility of your course, please click the following links:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/documents/education/s476-approved-languages-2009-10.pdf

https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/documents/education/s476-approved-it-courses-2014.pdf

These courses must be at least two years in duration and must not be a postgraduate course. Instead postgraduate courses in foreign languages or information technology may qualify for tuition fees relief.  For further details, please click the following link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/education/tuition-fees-paid-for-third-level-education/index.aspx

This relief applies to fees if you are the student or if you have paid fees on behalf of another person.

For complete information, please click: https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/education/foreign-language-and-it-courses/index.aspx

To get your tax return filed before the income tax deadline, please contact us on queries@accountsadvicecentre.ie

Please be aware that the information contained in this article is of a general nature.  It is not intended to address specific circumstances in relation to any individual or entity. All reasonable efforts have been made by Accounts Advice Centre to provide accurate and up-to-date information, however, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate on the date it is received or that it will continue to remain so. This information should not be acted upon without full and comprehensive, specialist professional tax advice.