At last week’s Tax Certainty Day, the OECD released a preliminary version of the 2025 update of the Consolidated Information on Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAPs) with the aim of making tax-related dispute resolution mechanisms more effective. The 2024 MAPs Statistics were also published, enhancing transparency and providing details of agreements reached. 

Brazil has signed the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the BEPS Convention) becoming the 106th jurisdiction to join the landmark agreement.

Revenue issued a press release last week reminding residential property owners that the deadline for filing the Local Property Tax (LPT) return for the 2026 – 2030 period is 7 November 2025. The press release confirms that over 550,000 returns have been filed to date and that a system update was implemented last Wednesday to address several technical issues recently identified within the LPT Portal. Property owners are required to assess the value of their property as of 1 November 2025 and submit this valuation to Revenue, along with filing the LPT return by the due date later this week. Taxpayers must also confirm the preferred payment method for 2026 when filing the LPT return choosing between an annual debit instruction, monthly direct debit, deduction at source or payment in full. Comprehensive guidance on determining the correct valuation band for a property and submitting a Local Property Tax (LPT) Return is available on the Revenue website. This includes an interactive valuation tool that provides an estimated average valuation band for residential properties in each area, based on Eircode or location. Revenue reminds property owners that this tool is intended as a general guide only. Revenue has also revised several LPT related manuals to incorporate the changes introduced by the Finance (Local Property Tax and Other Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2025 and we have outlined these in more detail here. Further details on LPT obligations are available in our previous new item outlining the changes announced in the General Scheme of Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Bill 2025 and in our news item on the Local Property Tax information campaign launched by Revenue.

The OECD has published a new set of updated transfer pricing country profiles focusing on the key transfer pricing aspects of each country’s domestic tax legislation. The profiles provide new insights on the transfer pricing treatment of hard-to-value intangibles and the simplified approach for baseline marketing and distribution activities. 

The UK Department of Business and Trade (DBT) has announced plans which seek to modernise Corporate Reporting requirements and make it easier for businesses to grow and invest. Some of the plans which DBT intend to bring forward include: An exemption for most medium-sized companies from the need to produce a Strategic Report. DBT have noted that this would mean that “medium-sized businesses who can benefit from existing exemptions will no longer need to prepare narrative reporting, so they can focus on running their business rather than producing information that is disproportionate to their scale and ownership model”. An exemption for wholly-owned subsidiaries from producing a strategic report if they are covered by the reporting of a UK parent. DBT have stated that this proposal would “eliminate duplicative reporting within corporate groups”. A removal of the requirement for preparing a Directors Report. The Department have noted that this report is often seen as a “cluttered, compliance-driven document that has accumulated numerous disclosures over time, which offers little useful insight for investors”. Under the proposal, some requirements which are deemed to be more useful, such as reporting on energy and emissions, would be retained and moved elsewhere in the Annual Report. In its announcement, the Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation indicated his intention to deliver the proposed changes “as quickly as possible” In addition to the above proposals, DBT have announced an expansion of their non-financial reporting review to include financial reporting, remuneration reporting and governance reporting, as well as considering how reporting can be modernised for the digital age. In view of this expansion, the previously named “non-financial reporting review” will be renamed the “Modernisation of Corporate Reporting review”. To address this, DBT have announced its intention to hold a consultation on the corporate reporting framework next year. It has also issued a survey asking businesses to raise any issues they might have regarding regulation which is not fit for purpose.

  In this week’s Sustainability/ESG Bulletin, read about new resources on sustainability from Chartered Accountants Ireland, sustainability in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Statement of Strategy 2025-2028, the Gender Balance in Business Survey 2025, energy updates, news from Europe, and the usual articles and upcoming events.   Chartered Accountants Ireland Why SMEs hold the key to real climate action In this article by Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Sustainability Advocacy Manager, Susan Rossney describes how Northern Ireland’s SMEs are at the heart of the region’s climate transition. It describes how supporting SMEs is not just good climate policy—it’s smart economic strategy. “If we’re serious about climate action, we must empower SMEs with the tools, incentives and clarity they need to lead the way. Their impact is local, immediate and transformative.”  (Business Eye) Is the CSRD rollback the end or a new start for sustainability? The CSRD rollback is raising new questions for sustainability reporting. Stephen Prendiville (Deloitte), Sophie Sweeney (University of Galway) and Susan Rossney (Chartered Accountants Ireland) discuss the new VSME standard, the value of strategy over reporting, and the accountants' role in maintaining the sustainability momentum. (Podcast - 51 mins)   IRELAND Sustainability in Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has published its Statement of Strategy 2025-2028, setting out a new path to drive competitiveness, sustainability and prosperity over the next three years. The new strategy outlines six cross-cutting goals aimed at strengthening Ireland’s position as a leading location to work, do business and visit. It places a strong emphasis on innovation, digitalisation, decarbonisation and infrastructure. To achieve its goal of driving competitiveness, sustainability and innovation, and building the resilience of the economy the Department states it will “advance the green transition in enterprise [in line with Government’s Climate Action Plan] through delivering decarbonisation roadmaps; a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Tourism Sector; providing effective supports and incentives, and; implementing the Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy and the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act.” Energy updates The Government has published the text of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025. This bill, once enacted, will provide the mechanism for government investment of €1.5 billion in ESB Networks to support development of Ireland’s electricity grid over the next five years. This is part of the €3.5 billion government investment approved in the National Development Plan in July. The bill, which will now pass through the Houses of the Oireachtas, also provides for an increase in ESB’s statutory borrowing limit from €12 billion to €17 billion.  Separately, it was also announced this week that funding of €27 million is to be provided from the Climate Action Fund (CAF) for local authorities to support and build low carbon communities across the country. The National Economic and Social Council (NESC), meanwhile, has identified key risks to energy transition policy and has set out an agenda to respond to them, categorised into actions for ‘now’, ‘next’, and ‘later’. The risks were outlined at the recent National Energy Summit 2025, which brought together 300 experts from industrial, policy, and NGO sectors. Speaking at the conference, Dr Cathal FitzGerald (Senior Analyst at NESC), stated “the transition must make sense at ground level – socially, economically, and politically – as well as on a graph”. CSO surveys shows that a third of Senior Executives in Ireland in 2025 were female The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has published its Gender Balance in Business Survey 2025, providing official statistics from the CSO on gender representation in Senior Executive teams and Boards of Directors of large enterprises in Ireland. The survey results show that 32 percent of all Senior Executives in Ireland in 2025 were female, 19 percent of Chief Executive Officers in Ireland were female, almost one in five Boards of Directors had a female Chairperson and 28 percent of members of Boards of Directors in Ireland in 2025 were female. The survey was conducted in response to the Balance for Better Business initiative and aims to provide benchmark information on gender representation. The 2025 survey is the fourth iteration of the survey, which repeats every two years. Urgent action needed on biodiversity, warns CCAC The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that Government must urgently strengthen planning processes to prevent further biodiversity loss and embed nature-based solutions in the design and delivery of all future infrastructure developments. In its Annual Review of biodiversity, published this month, the Council has called on the Government to issue national guidance and enact specific regulations to better integrate biodiversity into the planning system. This should include the use of nature-inclusive infrastructure design, the creation of biodiversity corridors, and the restoration of nature-friendly habitats in all new developments. Research from PwC has found that more than half of global GDP is exposed to material nature risk without immediate action, with $58 trillion at risk. NORTHERN IRELAND/UK Energy updates The UK government has published its first ever national plan to recruit workers needed for its clean energy mission, with over 400,000 extra jobs by 2030. The Clean Energy Jobs plan is part of the UK Industrial Strategy and sets out the workforce needed to deliver the UK’s clean energy ambitions, and how the government will work in partnership with industry and trade unions to deliver it. Separately the UK government has announced that families and small businesses are set to benefit from greater protections and consumer rights when things go wrong in the energy market, with quicker redress and compensation through the Energy Ombudsman, a crackdown on energy brokers to eradicate exploitation, and protections for businesses when installing smart meters. EUROPE MEPs to vote on simplified sustainability and due diligence rules in November The European Parliament has rejected the mandate adopted by the Legal Affairs Committee on 13 October on simplified rules for sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations, by 309 votes in favour, 318 against and with 34 abstentions. Parliament will decide its position on simpler sustainability requirements ahead of talks with EU governments at the next plenary session in Brussels on 13 November. They will then be ready to start talks with EU governments, which already adopted their position on 23 June. The aim is to finalise the legislation by the end of 2025. European Parliament Gender equality week From 3 to 7 November 2025, the European Parliament committees will be discussing how to harness women’s talent through education, training and employment, to drive economic growth and progress. Under the overarching topic of “Talent” the week will feature several committee debates and events, focusing on closing the gender talent gap in education and creating conditions where women can thrive. It will highlight equality – not just as a matter of fairness, but as a driver of economic growth and progress, by using women’s talent to the full. This is the sixth annual European Parliament Gender Equality Week to assess progress, highlight achievements, and identify new ways to promote the rights of women and girls and achieve gender equality, and events can be followed live. European Union prepares for COP30 The European Council has published climate finance figures in preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP30 & CMA7), which will take place from 10 to 21 November in Belém, Brazil. The figures are based on the EU climate finance reporting rules laid down in the governance regulation. In 2024, the European Union and its 27 member states contributed €31.7 billion in climate finance from public sources and mobilised an additional amount of €11.0 billion of private finance to support developing countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Separately, the European Parliament has adopted its priorities for COP30, urging it to recommit to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The resolution, prepared by the Committee on the Environment Climate and Food Safety, was approved on Thursday and underlines the need for the EU to remain a leader in international climate negotiations, and that all sectors must contribute to reducing emissions and achieving climate neutrality. The resolution reiterates the urgent need for the EU to end its fossil fuel dependence, phase out related subsidies and accelerate its energy transition. It also calls on the international community to pay increased attention to the climate impact of conflicts. WORLD A report published by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revealed that 91 percent of listed companies now disclose sustainability-related information, with 81 percent of these disclosures being externally assured. Global Corporate Sustainability Report 2025 provides insights on how companies are implementing the sustainability-related recommendations of the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance. These recommendations cover disclosure, shareholder-company dialogue, board responsibilities, and stakeholder engagement. The absolute number of companies disclosing sustainability information also increased but remains a moderate share - below one-third - of the total number of listed companies. Articles   New laws mean employers will have to reveal salary ranges in job ads and will be prevented from asking about pay history (Irish Independent) 87% of hoteliers plan sustainability investments – survey (RTÉ) Green roofs and permeable paving: how to solve both the human and nature housing crises (Irish Times) Carbon dioxide levels hit new high, locking in overheating of Earth for centuries, WMO warns (Irish Times)   Events Ibec Networks Autumn Seminar Series, Session 4: The culture of sustainability innovation The final webinar in a four-part series Autumn Seminar Series ‘The culture equation’ looks at what supports are available to assist on a journey to becoming a more sustainable business. In the supporting case study from O'Brien's Fine Foods the webinar will discuss what drives a sustainability focused culture in an organisation. Virtual, Thursday 13 November, 11.00-11.50am IBEC, Preparing for Severe Weather Events Severe weather conditions can cause major disruption to roads, bus or train infrastructure and therefore, the operation of your business. In this webinar, Dr. Michael Gillen, Head of OSH Policy will review the key points to consider, practical steps and control measures you can put in place. Virtual, 26 November 11:00 - 11:45   Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.  

By Joe Carroll, Head of Professional Development Pope Francis observed, “We are not living in an era of change, but in a change of era.” This sentiment resonates deeply as we approach 2026—a year that marks not just a shift in leadership expectations, but a profound transformation in how leadership itself is defined. Many experts argue that what we are living through is a Fourth Industrial Revolution—a convergence of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and hyper-connectivity that is reshaping every aspect of work and society. Just as steam power and electrification redefined leadership in the 18th and 20th centuries, today’s leaders must adapt to a world where change is exponential, systems are interdependent, and the human dimension is more vital than ever. Chartered Accountants Ireland, through its Strategy27 framework and professional development initiatives, is preparing members to meet this new era with clarity, courage, and compassion. Here are five defining challenges that upcoming leaders must be prepared to meet. Navigating uncertainty in a volatile world In this revolutionised era, uncertainty is constant. Leaders must develop the capacity to make decisions amid ambiguity, anticipate disruption, and pivot strategies with agility. The ability to lead with resilience and foresight is now a core competency. Competing for talent and building future-ready teams In Chartered Accountants Ireland’s recent member survey, 63% of respondents identified talent competition as their top organisational challenge. Leaders must foster inclusive, flexible, and purpose-driven environments that attract and retain talent. This includes mentoring, career development, and wellbeing strategies that reflect the values of a new generation. Leading in a hybrid and AI-augmented workplace Hybrid work and AI are now embedded in organisational culture. Leaders must balance technological efficiency with human connection—building trust, fostering collaboration, and ensuring ethical use of emerging tools. Emotional intelligence and digital fluency are no longer optional. Responding to regulatory reform and governance demands From auto-enrolment to EU-wide corporate structures, regulatory reform is accelerating. Leaders must stay ahead of compliance while actively shaping policy. Chartered Accountants Ireland continues to advocate for trusted leadership in governance, and emerging leaders must be equipped to engage with stakeholders and lead with integrity. Maintaining strategic clarity amid digital disruption Digital transformation is not a project—it’s a mindset. Leaders must guide their organisations through continuous innovation while maintaining clarity of purpose. In an era of misinformation and data complexity, strategic clarity and ethical leadership are more important than ever. Final thoughts: Leadership in revolutionary times The Industrial Revolution transformed economies and societies. Today, this Revolution is doing the same—but faster, deeper, and more globally. Leaders must not only adapt but evolve. They must be visionary, empathetic, and courageous. Above all, they must be curious and willing to learn. Curiosity fuels innovation, drives continuous learning, and opens leaders to new perspectives. In a world where the pace of change often outstrips experience, curiosity becomes the bridge between uncertainty and insight. It encourages leaders to ask better questions, explore emerging technologies, and remain open to feedback and growth. Chartered Accountants Ireland is committed to supporting its members through this transformation—equipping them with the insights, skills, and networks to lead with confidence. The launch of the new Executive Leadership Programme, developed in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, reflects this commitment. It is designed to empower leaders to thrive in this changed era, and to lead with trust, agility, and purpose. To find out more about this programme which will kick off in February 2026 see www….. Spotlight: Executive Leadership Programme launch Chartered Accountants Ireland, in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast, has officially launched its new Executive Leadership Programme—a premium development experience designed to equip professionals with the tools, insights, and confidence to lead in today’s complex business environment. The programme blends immersive in-person sessions in Dublin and Belfast with online learning, offering a dynamic mix of psychometric profiling, strategic communication, and AI accountability. Participants will explore three core themes: Leading Self, Leading Others, and Leading the Organisation, guided by expert faculty including Dr Louise O’Meara, Richard Ramsey, and Dr Vincent Charles. For more information on the Executive Leadership Programme, view the programme brochure, and to register you can visit the website.  

Chartered Accountants Ireland has named Donegal native and University of Galway lecturer Sophie Sweeney ACA as its 2025 Chartered Star. Awarded annually, the accolade is given to one of the Institute’s shortlisted members who demonstrates outstanding commitment to any of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition – running since 2016 – gives the winner the opportunity to participate in the One Young World summit as the Institute’s representative. This year’s summit will take place in Munich, Germany, in November. In her application submission, Sophie described herself as a “storyteller at heart.” She is a lecturer in accountancy, finance and tax at the University of Galway and actively positions the SDGs within her teaching. Sophie believes in intertwining the SDGs into accountancy education to embed trust and sustainability as core values for future finance leaders. As well as this, Sophie is a PhD candidate examining how people experience tax across life stages. She advocates against inequality in social and taxation systems for the benefit of future generations and believes that education is essential to this. Commenting on her win, Sophie Sweeney said: “I am very excited and honoured to have been selected as Chartered Star 2025. I am passionate about learning and education as a means to promote equity and progress. I am really looking forward to hearing from all the contributors at the Summit, and to workshopping with the other delegates. We can learn a lot from each other.” Acknowledging the central role Chartered Accountants play in addressing the global challenges that the UN SDGs aim to address, competition entrants were shortlisted based on written and video testimonial submissions outlining how they live the values of the SDGs through their work and other pursuits. The summit will bring together the Chartered Star and 2,000 other young future leaders from over 190 countries for workshops and addresses from global leaders. Plenary topics featuring on the 2025 programme include the circular economy, responsible tech, anti-hate, education and peace and security. Commenting, Chartered Accountants Ireland Sustainability Advocacy Manager Susan Rossney said:  “Chartered Accountants are playing an ever-increasing role in addressing the UN SDGs through their work. Sophie’s work and her research interests espouse cover several of these including education, reducing inequalities, and promoting economic growth. Not only this but she actively raises awareness of the goals through her teaching, ensuring the next generation of finance professionals understand their role in meeting the goals”. Director of Members and Advocacy, Cróna Clohisey said:  “The Chartered Star competition is a very important initiative for the Institute. It highlights the power and potential of the Chartered Accountant to contribute meaningfully to societal change. Trusted business leadership is the Institute’s guiding principle and Sophie exemplifies this. She emerged as the worthy winner from a highly impressive shortlist and will gain a lot from the Summit, bringing these learnings back to her students. I wish her the best for the Summit in November.”

Professional Standards Department is pleased to publish its AML Supervision Report 2024/25. This report summarises our AML supervisory activities in both jurisdictions, ROI and UK for the period 6 April 2024 – 5 April 2025. AML Supervision Report 2024-25

In Irish news, we provide an update on the Institute’s recent engagements with government officials in relation to Finance Bill 2025 and we share our annual “At a Glance” document which includes an overview of all the key tax measures in Finance Bill 2025. In UK news, we provide updates on the most recent Employer and Trader Support Service Bulletins. In International news this week, the EU has strengthened international tax cooperation with Switzerland. Ireland 1. Last week, the Institute, under the auspices of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies – Ireland (CCAB-I), attended the Business Tax Stakeholder Forum meeting and various Tax Administration Liaison Committee meetings to discuss Finance Bill 2025. 2. Read the Institute’s “At a Glance” document which contains an overview of all the key direct and indirect tax measures in Finance Bill 2025. UK 3. HMRC has published the October edition of HMRC’s Employer Bulletin which provides details of the latest updates and guidance to support employers, payroll professionals and agents. 4. In this week’s Cross-border developments and trading corner, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications including the most recent Trader Support Service bulletin. International 5. The EU has signed an amending protocol to the tax cooperation agreement with Switzerland. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount

Revenue has updated three other guidance notes this week addressing company incorporation, dealing in development land and entertainment expenses. The details are as follows: The updated guidance on Company Incorporation – Economic Activity includes the address for submitting an application under section 140 . The guidance on Dealing in Residential Development Land has been updated to note that the contents of the manual are no longer relevant. The renamed guidance Business Entertainment Expenses incurred by Directors and Employees has been updated to reflect the content of the Tax and Duty manual Entertainment Expenses.

Revenue has published updated guidance providing additional details on the background and key elements of the non-resident landlord withholding tax (NLWT) system .Additional information has been provided to address errors that occur when an incorrect LPT ID is used during the filing of a rental notification (RN), and when the landlord's tax reference number does not correspond with the selected tax type. Further clarification is also provided on amending a RN. The updated guidance provides details regarding registration issues affecting collection agents, tenants who pay withholding tax via the PAYE credit system, the responsibilities of collection agents under NLWT, and how collection agents interact with the NLWT system.