News & Updates

Finance Act 2017

Introduction  We are pleased to provide our comprehensive commentary on Finance Act 2017 which was signed into law by the President on 25 December 2017. 

Budget Briefing 2018

The new Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe delivered his first budget this afternoon.   As publicised in press reports over the last week the reduction in the USC and other changes to income tax thresholds are being partly financed by an increase in stamp duty from 2% to 6% on commercial […]

The Domicile Levy

It is not unusual to read reports in the media of individuals using tax losses to their advantage and availing of the loopholes to reduce their tax liability.  The domicile levy which was introduced in 2010 is the complete opposite.  It is an example of the State seeking tax from individuals outside the spirit of […]

Thinking of Moving to Ireland

An English speaking country neighbouring the UK, Ireland offers many advantages for individuals who wish to relocate from the UK and maintain access to the European Union. In Ireland, an individual’s residency and domicile determine their liability to income tax.  Individuals who are Irish resident and domiciled will be liable to tax on their worldwide […]

Tax Tables 2017

The must have PMQ Tax Tables 2017 are now available.   If you would like a physical copy contact us at pmq@pmqtax.com.

Tax Appeals Determination Summaries April 2017

As part of the reform of the tax appeals system, with effect from 21 March 2016, the functions of the Appeal Commissioners were taken over by a corporate body known as the Tax Appeals Commission (TAC).  Since the establishment of the TAC, all appeals by taxpayers are made directly to the Appeal Commissioners at the […]

Revenue Issue Letters to 500,000 Taxpayers on Undeclared Offshore Assets

The penalty for undeclared income and gains is 100% of the tax on the undeclared amounts.  However, where a person makes a qualifying voluntary disclosure to Revenue reduced penalties apply.  In addition, details of the settlement amount are not published and Revenue will not consider prosecution.  From 1 May 2017, any disclosure made to Revenue […]

Finance Act 2016

Introduction Finance Act 2016 was signed into law by the President on 25 December 2016. The Act contains a number of positive measures from a business perspective as follows: • Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) has been extended to the end of 2020 • Foreign Earnings Deduction (FED) has been extended to the end of 2020 and the […]

Budget Briefing 2017

Minister Michael Noonan delivered his sixth budget since becoming Minister for Finance in 2011.  Against a backdrop of a reduced GDP growth forecast for 2017 of 3½% due to Brexit, he has given a little to everyone. Capital Taxes Inheritance and Gift Tax Thresholds • The tax free thresholds have increased as follows:   Category A […]

New Revenue Staff Guidelines on RCT Penalties

The Irish Taxation Institute has circulated a copy of Internal Guidelines issued to its staff by Revenue on how to deal with the relevant contracts tax (RCT) penalty regime and the basis for penalty mitigation. A principal who makes payments to subcontractors within the RCT system is obliged to notify Revenue of the intention to […]

Revenue Annual Report for 2015

The Revenue recently issued their annual report for 2015.  Some interesting facts which are contained in the report are as follows: • Net tax receipts for 2015 were €45.78 billion compared with €39.4 billion for 2014.  Taxes on income, which include USC, DIRT, dividend withholding tax, accounted for 40% of overall net receipts with the other […]

Finance (Tax Appeals) Act 2015

The Finance (Tax Appeals) Act 2015 (the Act) was enacted on 25 December 2015 to bring into effect the long awaited reform of the tax appeals system.  The provisions of the Act are due to come into effect on a day appointed by the Minister for Finance.  The necessary statutory instruments were issued on 26 […]

Interest Paid By Companies and To Non-Residents

Tax law provides that, subject to certain exceptions, companies are required to withhold tax at 20% from interest payments and persons other than companies are required to withhold tax at 20% from interest paid to non-residents.  The requirement to withhold tax does not apply to interest paid to banks carrying on a banking business in […]

Deadline for Accessing AVCs Fast Approaching

A reminder that the deadline for pre-retirement access to AVCs is 26 March 2016.  You can access up to 30% of the value of your AVCs.  Amounts accessed are subject to income tax but not PRSI or USC.  This can be useful if you require access to cash or if your fund is approaching the […]

Budget Briefing 2016

Introduction The Minister for Finance introduced the final Budget of the 31st Dail.  He advised that it is considered that as a result of this Budget that the recovery will be felt in every home in the country.  The only taxation increase introduced is an extra 50 cents on every packet of standard cigarettes.  The […]