International Taxes

U.S. Taxes, One, Big, Beautiful Bill, State and Federal Taxes

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was passed on 4th July 2025, made sweeping updates to the U.S. tax code and will extend a number of provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, that were due to expire. This legislation creates new reporting requirements and amends certain eligibility thresholds.  Up to $25,000 in tip income is now deductible.  Many of the provisions will bring change in 2026 and include:

• Taxpayers claiming the standard deduction will now be able to deduct up to $1,000 in charitable contributions in their annual tax return. This figure will rise to $2,000 for couples filing a joint tax return.  Therefore, the new charitable contribution deduction for non-itemizers for cash contributions is up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples who file their tax returns jointly.

• For taxpayers who itemize deductions rather than claiming the standard deduction, their 2026 charitable deduction will be limited to the amount that exceeds 0.5% of their 2026 adjusted gross income (AGI).

• The annual limit of certain K-12 expenses increases to $20,000. The definition has been expanded to include other expenses, for example, books, fees, tutoring, etc. Please be aware, however, that K-12 expenses do not qualify for state income tax purposes in certain U.S. states.

• There will be a new limit on itemized deductions for taxpayers in the 37% tax bracket. Effectively, this means that for every dollar of itemized deduction, the maximum tax benefit available will only be 35 cents. For 2026, the 37% bracket kicks in where the taxable income exceeds $640,600 for single filers and heads of households, $768,700 for married couples filing jointly and at $384,350 for married couples filing separately.

• For 2026, the state and local taxes (SALT) deduction is capped at $40,400. There is a slight increase in the phase-out range, which begins when the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $505,000. Once MAGI surpasses $606,333, the deduction cap will be $10,000. Therefore, regardless of the MAGI, the SALT deduction will not fall under $10,000.

• Commencing 4th July 2026, it will be possible for employers to contribute up to $2,500 to the new Trump Accounts for Children. This amount will be excluded from the employee’s gross income.

• With regard to the Federal Estate & Gift Tax Exemption, the lifetime federal estate and gift tax exclusion amount has risen to $15 million per individual in 2026. For married couples, a combined amount of $30 million applies.

• Catch-up contributions allow those participants aged from 50 years to contribute additional money to their retirement accounts while those individuals, making additional contributions who are aged between 60 and 63 years come within the “super catch-up” definition. Higher-income participants in 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans are required to make any catch-up contributions as after-tax Roth contributions. This requirement applies to participants with 2025 FICA wages exceeding $150,000. In summary, from 1^st January 2026, catch-up and super catch-up contributions for certain high-paid participants must be made on an after-tax Roth basis instead of pre-tax basis.  This rule does not apply to SIMPLE IRAs or SEP IRAs.

Please be aware that 15^th April 2026 is the tax filing deadline for your individual federal income tax return.  It is also the deadline date for most of the state tax returns, however, there are some exceptions so please make sure you check this out.

For further information, please click: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-provisions

If you are seeking comprehensive U.S. tax advice or looking to regularise your U.S. tax affairs, and wish to deal with a U.S. Tax Advisor, 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.

PAYE Exclusion Orders. Employers Tax. Global Mobility. Payroll Taxes

Today, 11th August 2025, Revenue have amended their Tax and Duty Manual Part 42-04-01 – PAYE Exclusion Orders.

This guidance material provides details of the new PAYE Exclusion Order application portal, which may be accessed through MyAccount or ROS.  This new application system will allow for faster processing times.

If you require assistance with payroll and in particular with PAYE Exclusion Orders, 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.

US Federal Estate Tax. Irish Capital Acquisitions Tax, Inheritance Tax

Non-US individuals with assets located in the USA may be subject to US estate tax in addition to tax arising in their country of residence. Such assets include (i) U.S. Real Estate, (ii) Stocks and Shares in US corporations, (iii) Cash Deposits with US brokers, (iv) U.S. registered ETFs, (v) U.S. tangible personal property, (vi) certain business interests or debts owed by U.S. individuals, etc.  Provided the deceased person is not domiciled in the US and not a US citizen at the time of death, their estate will only be subject to Federal Estate Tax (FET) on US situs property.

When can U.S. Federal Estate Tax arise?

U.S. Federal Estate Tax can arise on the estate of a deceased Irish tax resident person if the amount of US-situs assets, held by that person, is greater than $60,000 on their death, even if that person has never lived or worked in the United States.  As a result, receiving an inheritance from a US source can have unexpected tax implications for Irish resident beneficiaries.  It’s important to take into consideration that a spousal exemption only applies if the recipient is a US citizen.

What is the U.S. Federal Estate Tax range?

U.S. Estate Tax rates range from 18% to 40% on US situs assets. The estate tax exemption is $60,000. Therefore, a US estate tax liability can be easily triggered for a non-resident, non-US individual.  If a US Federal Estate Tax liability arises, it is the Executor who will be primarily responsible for settling it.  Any tax due should be paid by filing form 706NA within nine months of the date of death.

What does Irish CAT apply to?

Irish Capital Acquisitions Tax applies to inheritances received by Irish residents, regardless of (i) where the assets are located or (ii) the tax residence of the person providing the inheritance. As a result, if an Irish resident individual inherits U.S. situs property, Irish tax obligations could arise.

When does CAT become payable?

Capital Acquisitions Tax becomes payable if (i) the beneficiary is resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland at the time of receiving the inheritance and (ii) if the total value of all gifts and inheritances received from the same disponer exceeds the relevant group class thresholds.  Unlike US FET, if an Irish resident individual receives a gift or an inheritance from their spouse or civil partner, it is exempt from CAT.

What other issues should be considered?

Other issues to consider are (i) the timing of asset transfers and (ii) currency fluctuations.

The Ireland/US Double Taxation Agreement protects against paying Inheritance Tax, in both countries, on the same assets. The specific taxes covered by this treaty are Federal Estate Tax and Capital Acquisitions Tax.

For further information, please click the following links:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/gains-gifts-and-inheritance/credits-you-can-claim-against-cat/double-taxation-relief-usa.aspx

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estate-tax-for-nonresidents-not-citizens-of-the-united-states

If you are an Irish resident individual with U.S. assets, it is recommended that you seek inheritance and estate planning tax advice to carefully manage U.S. FET exposure.  For further information, 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.

Inheritance Tax, UK IHT, UK Taxes, Agricultural Property Relief, Business Property Relief, Gift and Inheritance Tax

The UK Autumn Budget 2024 announced changes to the current Agricultural and Business Property Inheritance Tax regimes.  From 6^th April 2026, the combined Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief will be restricted to the first £1 million on “qualifying assets.”  The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered her Budget on 30th October 2024, announcing 100% relief for the first £1 million pounds of combined assets and 50% Relief thereafter.  Currently, Agricultural Relief offers two potential rates of Inheritance Tax Relief.  These depend on the circumstances of ownership. These rates will remain in place until 5^th April 2026.

Old Regime – Agricultural Property Relief

What is Agricultural Property Relief?

Agricultural Property Relief is an Inheritance tax relief for farmers and landowners.  It provides for either 50% or 100% relief on the agricultural value of land and certain buildings.

What conditions must apply?

For the 100% Relief to apply:

1. the property must be in the owner’s vacant possession i.e. the owner or transferor has the immediate right to vacant possession of the property or the right to obtain it within the next twelve months.

2. the land must be let with the tenancy having commenced on/after 1st September 1995.

3. the land must be let and conditions regarding vacant possession must be complied with – This applies by concession.

4. the owner had been entitled to his interest in the property since before 10th March 1981 and has met the conditions for ‘Working Farmer Relief”.

What happens if all the above conditions aren’t met?

The 50% Relief is available in circumstances where the above conditions aren’t met.

What happens if the property is owner-occupied?

If the property is owner-occupied, it must have been owned and used for agricultural purposes for at least two years ending with the date of the transfer.  If, however, the property is let to a tenant, it must have been owned by the transferor for at least seven years, ending with the date of the transfer, and the land must have been actively farmed during that time.  The property must not be subject to a binding contract of sale on disposal.

What about successive transfers?

Additional rules apply in relation to successive transfers.

What does Agricultural Property include?

Agricultural property includes agricultural land or pasture, grazing land, cottages, farmhouses, farm buildings, woodlands and buildings used in intensive animal rearing, etc.

Old Regime – Business Property Relief

What is Business Property Relief?

Business Property Relief is a relief from IHT which applies to the transfer of relevant business property.  100% relief is available on the following assets (i) a business or interest in a business operating as a sole trade or partnership and (ii) shares in an unlisted trading company which the donor has owned for a minimum of two years

Are there specific rules on the transfer of shares in a quoted trading company?

50% Relief is available on the transfer of shares in a quoted trading company where the donor has a controlling interest (i.e. 51%) in the company.  The 50% rate also applies to land and buildings, including plant and machinery, where those assets are used by the donor’s partnership or by a company they control.

What about lifetime gifts?

With regard to lifetime gifts, Business Property Relief is only available on death provided the donee still owns the relevant business property at the time of death.

What if the business owns investments?

If the business owns investments, Business Property Relief is restricted to the business assets. In other words, BPR does not apply to any ‘excepted assets’ in the balance sheet. An ‘excepted asset’ is one which is not used wholly or mainly for the purposes of a trade.

New Regime

From 6^th April 2026, the combined Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief will only be available on the first £1 million on qualifying assets. If the individual owns qualifying assets above this threshold amount of £1 million, the rate of the Relief will be reduced to 50% of the excess.

What does that mean?

This means, from 6^th April 2026, an effective IHT tax rate of 20% will apply to the value of qualifying assets above £1 million.

What happens Assets that automatically qualify for the 50% Relief Rate?

Assets automatically qualifying for the 50% relief rate will not use up the £1 million allowance.

What happens to any unused part of the £1 million allowance?

It’s important to keep in mind that any unused part of the £1 million allowance cannot be transferred between spouses in the way that the NIL Rate Band can.

What does this allowance not apply to?

This allowance will not apply to AIM-listed shares and other similar shares not listed on a recognised stock exchange.  Instead, they will be entitled to the 50% rate of Relief.

How long do the new rules apply?

The new rules will apply for lifetime transfers on/after 30th October 2024 in situations where the donor dies on/after 6^th April 2026.

How can this Inheritance Tax liability be paid?

The Inheritance Tax liability arising on assets which qualify for Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief can be paid by way of equal annual instalments, over a ten-year period, in certain circumstances.

Are there any exemptions?

Full exemptions for transfers between spouses and civil partners will continue to apply i.e.  any agricultural and business assets left to a surviving spouse or civil partner will be tax free.

For further information, please click:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-environmental-land-management

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/what-are-the-changes-to-agricultural-property-relief

Following the Inheritance Tax changes in the Autumn Budget 2024, it’s time to consider the practical consequences and what you can do to protect your family wealth.  For expert UK Tax advice and assistance, 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.

UK Tax. Corporation Tax. Interest and Penalties on late payments. Instalment Arrangements.

Today, HMRC announced an increase in its interest rates, due to another increase in the Bank of England base rate, from 4.25% to 4.5%.  The new rates will take effect from Monday, 22nd May 2023, for quarterly tax instalment payments.  The aim of the late payment rate is to encourage prompt tax payment by UK Taxpayers and to ensure the system is fair for those individuals who pay their liabilities within deadline.

The new rates will take effect from Wednesday, 31st May 2023, for non-quarterly instalments payments.

Today, HMRC has announced increases to interest charged on both the late payment of tax as well as on tax repayments/refunds.

The two new increased rates of interest are:

• Late Payment Interest which is set at base rate plus 2.5%.  This will increase from 6.75% to 7% on 31st May 2023.
• Repayment Interest which is set at base rate minus 1% with a lower limit of 0.5% (known as the ‘minimum floor’).  This will increase to from 3.25% to 3.5% from 31st May 2023.

IN SUMMARY:

The interest rate on unpaid instalments of Corporation Tax liabilities will increase to 5.5% from 22nd May 2023.

The interest rate for the late payment of other taxes will increase to 7% from 31st May 2023.

The interest rate paid by HMRC on the overpayment of tax will increase to 3.5% on 31st May 2023.

For further information, please click: HMRC late payment interest rates to be revised after Bank of England increases base rate – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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.

EU VAT Advice. International VAT on Goods and Services. B2C supplies. Customs Duty and Excise Duty. Mini One Stop Shop. OSS. Distance Sales.

From 1st July 2021, major new VAT changes will be introduced.  New VAT rules in relation to B2C supplies will apply in all EU Member States.  The aim is to ensure that goods imported from outside the EU will no longer have a preferential VAT treatment as compared to goods purchased from within the EU, including Ireland.  According to Ms. Maureen Dalton, Principal Officer in Revenue’s Customs Division “Consumers need to be aware that as of midnight tonight the current VAT exemption for imported goods with a value of €22 or less will end. This means that goods purchased from a non-EU country that arrive into Ireland for delivery any time after midnight tonight will be subject to VAT, regardless of their value and regardless of when they were purchased. The applicable VAT rate to these goods will be the relevant rate that would apply if the goods were purchased in Ireland.”

From 1st July 2021 there will be major changes including:

• The current distance sales thresholds will be abolished.
• All B2C sales of goods will be taxed in the EU Member State of destination.
• The Mini One Stop Shop will be extended to include the B2C supply of goods in circumstances where those goods are shipped from one EU Member State to consumers in another EU Member State.  It will become the One Stop Shop.
• Existing thresholds for intra-Community distance sales of goods will be abolished and replaced by a new EU wide threshold of €10,000.
• The current VAT exemption at importation of small consignments up to €22 will be abolished.
• A new special scheme for distance sales of goods imported from third countries of an intrinsic value up to a maximum of €150 will be created called the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS).
• The IOSS will enable goods to be imported into the EU without the need for import VAT.  Instead VAT will become due in the country of the consumer. This can be paid through the monthly IOSS return and will only be applied to consignments of less than €150 in value.

1. The extension of the VAT Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) to the One Stop Shop (OSS)

The Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) has been in existence since 2015 and currently only covers the supply of telecommunications, broadcasting and electronic services from business to non-business customers (B2C) services within the EU.

Prior to the introduction of MOSS, it was possible for a business to have a VAT registration obligation in several jurisdictions.  By opting to use MOSS, however, that business is able to report its sales for all EU member states via one single quarterly return made to one Member State thereby notifying the Revenue Authorities in that jurisdiction of TBE sales in other EU Member States as well as facilitating the payment of VAT.  There are currently two types of MOSS scheme in existence: one for businesses established within the EU and the other for those established outside the EU.

From 1st July 2021, MOSS will become the One Stop Shop (OSS).

The scope of transactions covered by this declarative system will be extended to all types of cross-border services to the final consumers within the EU as well as to the intra-EU distance sales of goods and to certain domestic supplies which are facilitated by electronic interfaces.

The choice of the EU Member State in which a business can register for the One-Stop-Shop will depend on where they are established and whether they have one or more fixed establishments within the EU.

The use of the VAT One Stop Shop procedure will be optional.

Those businesses who opt for the procedure will only be required to submit a single quarterly return to the tax authorities of the country of their choice, via a dedicated OSS web portal. They will be required to apply the VAT rates applicable in the consumer’s country.

If the OSS is not availed of, then the supplier will be required to register in each Member State in which they make supplies to consumers.

Businesses will be required to follow certain rules, including the sourcing and retaining of documentary evidence in relation to where the customer is located in order to determine the country in which the VAT is due.

In summary, from 1^st July 2021, the MOSS Scheme will become the One Stop Shop and will include the following: (i) B2C supplies of services within the EU other than TBE services, (ii) B2C Intra-EU distance sales of goods, (iii) Certain domestic supplies of goods which are facilitated by electronic platforms/interfaces and (iv) Goods imported from third countries and third territories in consignments of an intrinsic value up to a maximum value of €150.

 2. Current distance selling thresholds will be abolished.

For the intra-EU distance sales of goods, the thresholds amounts of €35,000 to €100,000 within the EU will be abolished.

Currently a supplier who sells to consumers from other EU member states by mail order is obliged to register for VAT in the country to which the goods are delivered once the threshold amount has been reached.

From 1^st July, however, the current place of supply threshold of €10,000 for Telecommunications, Broadcasting and Electronic services will be extended to include intra-Community distances sales of goods.

This €10,000 threshold will cover cross-border supplies of TBE services as well as the intra-Community distance sales of goods but will not apply to other supplies of services.  This will result in a requirement to register for VAT in multiple jurisdictions, where the total EU supplies of goods and TBE services to consumers exceed €10,000 per annum.

To avoid this obligation the EU OSS scheme can be availed of.

In situations where the value of the sales does not exceed or is unlikely to exceed this threshold amount of €10,000, then local VAT rates may be applied instead of the VAT in the country of the consumer.  In other words, in such circumstances an Irish business can charge Irish VAT on its supplies.

In summary, from 1^st July 2021, the individual EU Member State’s distance selling thresholds will be abolished and replaced with an aggregate threshold of €10,000 for all EU supplies.  Please be aware that this exemption threshold will not apply on a State by State basis nor will it apply to separate income streams.  It is calculated taking into account all TBE services and intra-community distance sales of goods in all EU states.

3. VAT exemption at importation of small consignments of a value of up to €22 will be removed

Currently, imports of goods valued at less than €22 into the EU are not liable to VAT on importation. From 1^st January 2021 the low value consignment stock relief for goods valued at €22 or below will be abolished resulting in all goods being imported into the EU now being liable to VAT.

For consignments of €150 euros or below, however, a new import scheme will apply. The seller of the goods or, in the case of non-EU retailers, the agent, will only be required to charge VAT at the time of the sale by availing of the Import One Stop Shop.  If they decide not to opt for this scheme, they will be able elect to have the import VAT collected from the final customer by the postal or courier service.

4. Special provisions where online marketplaces/ platforms facilitating supplies of goods are deemed for VAT purposes to have received and supplied the goods themselves i.e. deemed supplier provision

Over the last number of years, there has been considerable growth in online marketplaces and platforms providing B2C supplies of goods within the EU.  Currently, however, this environment is difficult to monitor and as a result, businesses established outside the EU are slipping through the VAT net.

From 1^st July Special provisions will be introduced whereby a business facilitating sales through the use of an online electronic interface will be deemed, for VAT purposes, to have received and supplied the goods themselves – this will be known as the “Deemed Supplier” Provision.

In other words, the online marketplace / platform provider will be viewed as (a) buying and (b) selling the underlying goods and will, therefore, be required to collect and pay the VAT on relevant sales.

Digital marketplaces will be responsible for collecting and paying VAT in relation to the following cross-border B2C sales of goods they facilitate:

1. On the importation of goods from third countries by EU or non-EU sellers to EU consumers in consignments of an intrinsic value not exceeding €150 and/or
2. On intra-EU sales of goods by non-EU sellers to EU consumers of any value. This also applies to domestic supplies of goods.

The payment and declaration of VAT due will be made by the Electronic Interface through the One Stop Shop system for Electronic Interfaces.

The Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) will apply to supplies made via an Electronic Interface where this online market/platform facilities the importation of goods from outside the EU.

The deeming provision will not apply in situations where the taxable person only provides payment processing services, advertising or listing services, or redirecting/transferring services in circumstances where the customer is redirected to another online market/platform and the supply is concluded through that other electronic interface.

Online Markets/Platforms will also be required to retain complete documentation, in electronic format, in relation to their sellers’ transactions for the purposes VAT audits/inspections.

The application of this provision is mandatory for traders/taxable persons.  The use of the other schemes, however, will be optional.

5. The introduction of the Import One Stop Shop

There is currently a VAT exemption in relation to the importation (from outside the EU) of consignments valued at less than €22.  From 1^st July this exemption will be abolished and as a result, all goods imported into the EU will be liable to VAT.

The current customs duty exemption covering distance sales of goods imported from third countries or third territories to customers within the EU up to a value of €150 remains unchanged providing the trader declares and pays the VAT, at the time of the sale, using the Import One Stop-Shop.

For Non EU based suppliers there are two options:

1. They must either register for IOSS through an EU established intermediary or,
2. They can register for IOSS directly if the country where they are established has a mutual assistance agreement with the EU.

With regard to the appointment of an intermediary for the purposes of IOSS, please be aware that:

1. A taxable person cannot appoint more than one intermediary at the same time.
2. It is possible for an EU established supplier to appoint an intermediary to represent them.

The IOSS will facilitate traders registering and declaring import VAT due in all Member States through a single monthly return in the Member State in which they have registered for the Import One Stop Shop scheme.

Where the IOSS is used, the supplier will charge VAT to the customer at the time of the supply and, as a result, the goods will not be liable to VAT at the time of importation.  The VAT collected by the supplier will then be submitted through their monthly IOSS return.

The use of this scheme is not mandatory.

As the supplier/taxable person will only be required to register for IOSS in one Member State this will considerably reduce the administrative burden involved in accounting for VAT. After registration for IOSS, the supplier will be issued an IOSS identification number and this should expedite customs clearance.

If, however, the IOSS Scheme is not availed of, the supplier will be able to use another simplification procedure for the purposes of importing goods at a value not exceeding €150 whereby the import VAT may be collected by the postal services, courier company, shipping/customs agents, etc. from the customer, and the operator will then report and pay the VAT over to the relevant Revenue Authority on monthly basis.  This special arrangement will only apply where both conditions are met: (i) the IOSS has not been availed of and (ii) where the final destination of the goods is the Member State of importation.

The special arrangement allows for a deferred payment of VAT on the same basis.

In summary, the purpose of the IOSS is that suppliers who import goods into the EU can declare and pay the VAT due on those goods through the Import One Stop Shop in the member state where they have registered for the scheme.

For further information, please click:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/press-releases/2021/pr-063021-new-vat-rules-for-goods-bought-from-non-eu-countries.aspx

https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/press-office/press-releases/2021/pr-053121-revenue-upcoming-vat-rule-goods-non-EU-countries.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.

Irish VAT Rates. Return of Trading Details. Tax and Accounting Services. Irish and EU VAT. Reverse Charge Mechanism

As you’re aware, the standard VAT rate was temporarily reduced, as one of the COVID measures, from 23% to 21% for the six month period between 1st September 2020 and 28th February 2021.  The standard rate of Irish VAT is due to return to the 23% rate with effect from 1st March 2021.  This is particularly important to remember for invoicing and when completing your Return of Trading Details.

Please be aware that the VAT rate reduction from 13.5% to 9% for certain goods and services, mainly within the tourism and hospitality sectors, will continue to apply until 31st December 2021.  Please follow link for more details:   https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-rates/what-are-vat-rates/second-reduced-rate-of-value-added-tax-vat.aspx

To prepare for the VAT rate change, there are a number of practical issues that taxpayers should consider as follows:

1. Update your Systems

2. Amend your Pricing structure if necessary.

3. Review and/or Revise your Contracts

4. Amend your Sales Invoices

5. Don’t forget the Reverse Charge Mechanism especially for invoices dated pre 28th February but in circumstances where they’re received after 1st March 2021.

6. Credit notes – If you initially raised an invoice charging 21% VAT but the customer requests a credit note after the VAT rate has changed i.e. after 1st March 2021, please be aware that you may be required to apply the 21% rate after the VAT rate has returned to 23%.

7. If your business pays VAT to Revenue on a monthly direct debit basis, you should check to see if you’re required to increase this amount after 1st March 2021.

8. Consider how to account for payments on account which are received in advance of the rate change.

9. Annual Return of Trading Details – Please be aware that the Annual Return of Trading Details deadline date has been extended from 23rd January to 10th March 2021 to take account of the rate change in 2020.

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.

Apple State Aid Case. Taxes Ireland. EU Taxes. Irish Branch and Subsidiary

Today, in a statement issued by Vice President Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission confirmed that it will appeal the judgment of the General Court of the European Union in the Apple State aid case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.  On 15th July 2020, the General Court of the European Union found that no State aid had been given by Ireland to Apple and that the Irish branches of Apple had paid the correct amount of tax due under legislation.

Vice President Margrethe Vestager stated that

“the General Court judgment raises important legal issues that are of relevance to the Commission in its application of State aid rules to tax planning cases. The Commission also respectfully considers that in its judgment the General Court has made a number of errors of law. For this reason, the Commission is bringing this matter before the European Court of Justice.”

Ireland had previously appealed the Commission’s Decision on the basis that the correct amount of Irish tax had in fact been paid by Apple and that Ireland had not provided State aid to Apple.  The judgment from the General Court of the European Union vindicates Ireland’s position.

The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe T.D. said,

“I note the decision of the European Commission to lodge an appeal to the CJEU. Ireland has not yet been served with formal notice of the appeal. When it is received, the Government will need to take some time to consider, in detail, the legal grounds set out in the appeal and to consult with the Government’s legal advisors, in responding to this appeal.”

The funds in escrow of €13 billion will only be released when there has been a final determination in the European Courts on the validity of the Commission’s decision.

This appeal process could take up to two years.

For more information, please click: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/STATEMENT_20_1746

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.

International VAT. EU VAT Experts. Liaison with VAT and Revenue Authorities Europe

Has your business incurred VAT costs in another EU member State between 1st January and 31st December 2018 ?

If the answer is “yes” then you should begin preparing your ‘EVR’ refund claim.

As you’re aware, if you are an Irish VAT registered business who has incurred VAT in another E.U. state, you can’t reclaim this VAT in your Irish VAT 3 Form.  Instead, you must submit an online claim through the Electronic VAT Refund (EVR) service.

This EVR claim is made via the tax authorities’ portal in the trader’s own country.  In other words, an Irish VAT registered business must submit its application to the Irish Revenue Authorities via ROS.

It is the responsibility of the Irish Revenue Authorities to then forward the EVR claim to the E.U. state in question to process the refund.

The EVR application must include the following:

• The Supplier’s details
• The Country
• Import information
• The VAT details
• Details regarding the type of supply made
• In some member states invoices may need to be included with the claim.

The EVR application must be filed on or before 30th September 2019 in relation to VAT incurred between 1st January and 31st December 2018.

The refund payment will be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to the bank details provided in the claim.

A maximum of five applications can be made via the EVR  in a calendar year.  The refund period can’t be greater than one calendar year (i.e. 1st January to 31st December) and it can’t be less than three calendar months except in circumstances where the application is in relation to the last quarter of the year.

It is not possible to amend a claim to increase a VAT refund.

Please be aware that EVR reclaims are governed by the VAT recovery rules of the E.U. member state to which the claim relates.  In other words, if you are an Irish VAT registered business making an EVR reclaim in, say, France then you must comply with the French VAT rules and not the Irish rules.

If, however,  you are registered or have an obligation to register for VAT in a particular EU member state then, any reclaim of VAT incurred there must be made directly to the tax authorities of that particular E.U. jurisdiction.

For further information, please click on to the link:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/reclaiming-vat/irish-vat-registered-traders-reclaiming-vat-from-european-union-eu-member-states.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.

UK Taxes. UK Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Full Cross Border and Expat Tax Services. UK CGT Reliefs

Current UK Legislation

Principal Private Residence Relief (PPR) is a capital gains tax relief on the disposal of an individual’s only or main residence.  Under current U.K. legislation, an individual can claim relief for any period where the relevant property is deemed to be the individual’s “Principal Private Residence” (PPR).  The individual can claim Principal Private Residence relief for the final eighteen months of ownership providing the property had been that individual’s principal or main residence at any point during his or her ownership.  In other words, the final eighteen months always qualify for Principal Private Residence Relief even if the dwelling was no longer the individual’s only or main residence.  Lettings relief currently provides relief of up to £40,000 to individuals who let out a property which is or has been their main or principal residence.

Budget 2018 Amendments

The government proposes to make the following two changes with effect from April 2020:

1)      The Lettings Relief will be reformed so that it only applies where the owner of the property is in “shared-occupancy” with a tenant.  The relief can reduce the capital gain, per person, by up to £40,000, giving a potential tax saving of up to £11,200 (£40,000 x 28%) and

2)      The final period of exemption, which applies if a property has been an individual’s PPR at any point during their period of ownership, will be reduced from eighteen months to nine months.   There are no proposed amendments to the thirty six months that are available to disabled persons or those residing in a care home.

The government will consult on the proposed changes before legislating.

For further information, please click:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/private-residence-relief-budget-2018-brief

As Cross Border Tax Advisors, we provide a full and comprehensive UK tax advisory and compliance service including liaising with HMRC on your behalf.  For further information, please contact us through 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.