There were little in the way of income tax measures announced today, however, the Minister for Finance announced a change in the USC bands to ensure that the increased minimum wage of €14.15 remains outside the higher rates of the USC. It is also important to note that all workers will be impacted by the increase of 0.1 percent employee PRSI from 1 October 2025 and another 0.15 percent is expected on 1 October 2026.   Budget 2026 has also extended the rent tax credit and mortgage interest relief that were due to expire in 2025.  The Minister also announced that there is to be a reduction in the rates of taxation that apply to certain investments from 41 percent to 38 percent which includes Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).   USC  To ensure that the salary of a full-time worker on the minimum wage will remain outside the 3 percent rate of USC when the minimum wage increases from €13.50 to €14.15 from 1 January 2026, the ceiling of the 2 percent USC rate band will increase by €1,318 from €27,382 to €28,700.    As a result, the USC rates and bands from 1 January 2026 will be:  €0 – €12,012 - 0.5% (no change);  €12,013 – €28,700 - 2%;    €28,700 – €70,044 – 3%    €70,045+ - 8% (no change); and  Self-employed income over €100,000 - 3% surcharge (no change).  Incomes of less than €13,000 remain exempt from USC.  The estimated cost of the changes in USC is €72 million in 2026 and €76 million per annum thereafter.   Medical card holders with income not exceeding €60,000 will continue to qualify for the reduced USC rate to 31 December 2027.  Rent tax credit  The rent tax credit, which was due to expire on 31 December 2025, has been extended for a further three years to 31 December 2028. The value of the tax credit for 2026 is a maximum of €1,000 per single individual and €2,000 per jointly assessed couple. The cost of retaining this credit to the Exchequer is estimated to be €350 million per annum.  Mortgage interest relief  Mortgage interest relief has been extended on a tapered basis to 31 December 2026. The current level of relief will be maintained for the increase in interest paid in the tax year 2025 over 2022, with a maximum tax credit of €1,250 per property available, this relief can be claimed by taxpayers from 2026. A reduced level of relief will be available for the increase in interest paid in the tax year 2026 over 2022, with a maximum tax credit of €625 per property applicable, this relief can be claimed by taxpayers from 2027.  The cost of extending the relief to 31 December 2026 and maintain the current level of relief for 2025 and reduce the level of relief applicable for 2026 is estimated to be €38 million.  Vehicle benefits in kind  The temporary universal relief of €10,000 applied to the Original Market Value of a vehicle (including vans) for vehicles in Category A-D and the amendment to the lower limit of the highest mileage band is being extended to 31 December 2026. This will taper to €5,000 in 2027, €2,500 in 2028 before it is abolished from 1 January 2029.  The tables used to calculate BIK liability on employer-provided cars are being amended to incorporate a new category for vehicles with zero emissions. The new A1 category introduces reduced BIK rates for electric vehicles, with rates of 6 percent to 15 percent, depending on business mileage.  Micro-generation of electricity   The income tax relief that exempts income up to €400 per annum from the micro-generation of electricity is extended to 31 December 2028. The cost of extending the relief is estimated to cost €10 million per annum.  Taxation of Investments  The rates of taxation that apply to investments in Irish domiciled funds and life assurance policies, other than those applying to companies, personal portfolio investment undertakings and personal portfolio life assurance policies will be reduced, as will the rates that apply to equivalent offshore funds and certain foreign life assurance policies. The tax rate applicable to relevant investments is being reduced from 41 percent to 38 percent. The overall cost of the reduction is estimated to be €19 million.  The rate change will apply to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) including Irish domiciled ETFs.  Auto Enrolment   The Finance Bill 2025 will provide for additional amendments to the tax treatment for the Auto Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings Scheme to  address the tax treatment of AE retirement savings on the death of the participant;  exempt AE provider schemes from investment undertaking tax; and   provide an exemption from USC for employer contributions to AE.  Manufacture of Uilleann Pipes and Irish Harps   The Income Tax disregard on up to €20,000 of a person's profits from the manufacture, maintenance and repair of sets of uilleann pipes, early Irish harps and Irish lever harps, is being extended to 31 December 2028. The relief is expected to cost €500,000 per annum.   

The main VAT changes announced relate to the introduction of 9 percent VAT rate for certain areas of the hospitality and retail sector and on the construction of new apartments. VAT on food and catering businesses and hairdressing services From 1 July 2026, the VAT rate applied to businesses in food and catering and hairdressing services is being reduced from 13.5 percent to 9 percent. It is estimated that this measure will cost €232 million in 2026 and €681 million in a full year. VAT on gas and electricity The reduced VAT rate of 9 percent on gas and electricity bills which was due to expire on 1 November 2025 will be extended until 31 December 2030. VAT on new apartments The VAT rate applied to the construction of new apartments is to be reduced from 13.5 percent to 9 percent. This reduced rate will apply from 8 October 2025 and will last until 31 December 2030. In our Pre-Budget submission, we have called for a targeted, time limited measure to address market failures in the delivery of apartments. It is hoped that the VAT reduction will address this market need effectively and efficiently. VAT Modernisation and electronic invoicing The Minister announced the commencement of a phased implementation of domestic electronic invoicing for business-to-business (B2B) transactions. This implementation supports the EU approved VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative which aims to modernise the EU’s VAT system.  Further details on this initiative will be outlined in a paper to be published by Revenue tomorrow.

Budget 2026 includes enhancements to the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit and to various other reliefs including the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP), the Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) and the Foreign Earnings Deduction (FED).   Improvements to the dividend participation exemption were also announced including an extension of the geographical scope of the exemption. The Minister also announced that a public consultation on withholding tax will be launched shortly.  R&D tax credit  The Minister announced several important updates for the R&D tax credit in Ireland following the feedback received through the public consultation earlier this year (you can read our response here) and acknowledging the importance of the relief in driving competitiveness in Ireland. The three main enhancements are as follows: The rate of the tax credit has been increased from 30 percent to 35 percent,   An increase in the first-year payment threshold from €75,000 to €87,500 aimed at supporting smaller R&D projects, and An administrative simplification measure was also announced which will allow 100 percent of an R&D employee’s emoluments as qualifying costs where at least 95 percent of time is spent on qualifying R&D activities. The Minister also announced the forthcoming publication of an R&D Compass, which will outline the strategic direction for future developments in research, development, and innovation supports. The R&D compass will also consider changes to the R&D tax credit with respect to the definitions of outsourcing and qualifying expenditure. Key Employee Engagement Programme The Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) has been extended to 31 December 2028. This extension is subject to approval by the European Commission. Special Assignee Relief Programme The Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) is being extended for five years, to 31 December 2030. From 1 January 2026, an annualised salary of €125,000 or above will be required to qualify for the relief. New entrants to the scheme from 2026 onwards may benefit from an income tax exemption on 30 percent of relevant annual employment income between €125,000 and €1 million. This change will not apply to existing claimants who continue to avail of SARP in 2026 and further years. Simplification of certain relevant administrative requirements are expected to be announced in Finance Bill 2025. Foreign Earnings Deduction The Foreign Earnings Deduction (FED) will be extended for a further five years, up to 31 December 2030. In addition, from 1 January 2026, the scheme will be enhanced by increasing the cap on qualifying employment income for Income Tax relief from €35,000 to €50,000. The scope of the relief is also to be broadened to include qualifying workdays spent in the Philippines and Turkey. Changes will also be introduced in Finance Bill 2025 to streamline certain administrative requirements. Participation exemption for certain foreign dividends The participation exemption for foreign dividends, introduced in the Finance Act 2024, marked a significant enhancement to Ireland’s tax framework. The Minister announced that several changes to the exemption will be provided for in Finance Bill 2025 which include: Broadening the geographic scope to include qualifying dividends received from jurisdictions that apply a non-refundable dividend withholding tax. The period for which companies must have been resident in a jurisdiction within the geographic scope of the relief before paying a dividend will be reduced from five years to three years. Clarification was provided that the acquisition of a shareholding is not considered to be an acquisition of business assets for the purposes of the participation exemption. The Institute welcomes these changes as we had previously raised these recommendations in a letter which you can read here. Further details will be set out in Finance Bill 2025. Film Tax Credit The Film Tax Credit is being enhanced to introduce a new 40 percent rate for productions with a minimum eligible expenditure of €1 million on relevant Visual Effects work. The rate will apply on qualifying expenditure up to a maximum of €10 million per production. The changes are subject to approval by the EU. Digital Games Tax Credit The Digital Games Tax Credit is being extended by six years to 31 December 2031. In addition, the credit is being enhanced to allow for claims in respect of Post-Release Content work, subject to certain conditions being satisfied. The changes are subject to approval by the EU. Accelerated Capital Allowances for Energy Efficient Equipment The Accelerated Capital Allowances Scheme for Energy Efficient Equipment which provides for an accelerated deduction of 100 percent of the asset cost in year one for qualifying equipment is being extended to 31 December 2030. Accelerated Capital Allowances for Gas Vehicles and Refuelling Equipment The Accelerated Capital Allowances Scheme for gas vehicles and refuelling equipment is being extended to 31 December 2030. This scheme provides a tax incentive for companies and unincorporated business that invest in vehicles which run on compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, biogas or hydrogen, and in related refuelling equipment. Capital Allowances for Intangible Assets The Minister indicated that amendments are being made to the intellectual property capital allowances legislation regarding how balancing allowances, which arise on certain events such as the disposal or transfer of the asset, can be used. A Financial Resolution will be brought forward on the night of Budget 2026 to provide for these amendments with immediate effect and will be followed by legislation in Finance Bill 2025. Capital Gains Tax Revised Entrepreneur Relief The lifetime limit on which the Revised Entrepreneur Relief can be claimed will be increased to €1.5 million from 1 January 2026. The relief now provides for a reduced rate of CGT of 10 percent on gains of up to €1.5 million, over a lifetime, arising from the disposal of qualifying business assets. Bank Levy The Bank Levy is being extended for a further year and will apply in 2026. Withholding Taxes As part of his Budget speech the Minister announced that a public consultation on withholding tax will be launched soon.

Chartered Accountants Ireland notes targeted actions to support business and the domestic economy, such as changes to Revised Entrepreneurs Relief, the extension of the Special Assignee Relief Programme, and an increased rate of R&D tax credit, noting the role these can play in enabling Ireland to remain competitive in attracting quality employment and investment. Cróna Clohisey, Director of Members & Advocacy, said: “Global economic uncertainty presented government with a trade off in Budget 2026, and it is clear today that VAT measures have trumped personal taxes in the need to protect employment.    “For the first time in five years, income tax credits and bands have not been adjusted for inflation—meaning many workers will face an unexpected tax hike in 2026. Wage growth will push more earners into the 40% tax bracket, while rising PRSI contributions further erode disposable income. This squeeze on take-home pay, despite no change in tax rates, will inevitably impact consumer spending.”  Missed opportunity to reduce the burden of compliance for business On Enhanced Reporting Requirements, Cróna Clohisey said: “It is really disappointing that no changes to Enhanced Reporting Requirements were announced today. The onerous real-time reporting of tax-free small benefits and expenses is a compliance burden on businesses and not addressing this today was a missed opportunity.” Balancing the cost of doing business Chartered Accountants Ireland advocates on behalf of almost 40,000 members, with Institute research showing that 77% of SME members reported increased business costs in the past six months, the largest being labour costs. While the VAT reduction for food, catering and hairdressing services will be helpful in managing costs for some businesses, it will not address the cost pressures facing SMEs across other sectors of the economy. Cróna Clohisey said: “While the reduction in VAT for certain hospitality services may offer some relief to businesses in that sector, it does not address mounting cost pressures across the wider economy. For example, businesses have already been impacted by the increase in Employers’ PRSI from 1 October 2025 with further increases expected each year up to 2028 – a direct increase in the cost of labour. A more sustainable approach to easing these cost burdens is needed.” Supports for business At a time when countries globally are sharpening their industrial tools amid greater competition for investment, today’s changes to the R&D tax credit demonstrate the government’s commitment to research and innovation. Gearóid O’Sullivan, Head of Tax, Chartered Accountants Ireland said: “R&D is an extremely valuable tool to boost economic resilience and drive growth and job creation in the economy, and today’s increase in the R&D tax credit rate to 35% is very welcome. We look forward to further detail in the coming weeks on the government’s research & development compass which we hope will lead to meaningful changes to the relief to address divergence with industry practices. “In terms of broader innovation and enterprise supports, we know that barriers to access and administration can disincentivise businesses from claiming, particularly for time and resource-constrained SMEs. Such barriers should be reduced in favour of efficiency wherever possible.” Addressing the infrastructure deficit Chartered Accountants Ireland has engaged extensively in recent years on methods to address significant deficits in the State’s crucial infrastructure, which represent a threat to ongoing economic growth and investment. Commenting on the tax measures for new build apartments, Cróna Clohisey said: “The VAT cut on new apartment sales coupled with the targeted corporate tax deduction for certain construction costs on the building of new apartments should help address supply challenges given it will be implemented in a time limited and targeted way. Viability of certain construction projects has been cast into sharp focus in recent months, with CSO data showing a drop of 24% in apartment completions from 2023 to 2024. Today’s measures will hopefully jumpstart construction on many sites that already have planning permission.”  

  Just this week, Euronext launched its first integrated marketplace for European exchange -traded funds (ETFs), a development that enhances liquidity and transparency across the continent and has potential benefits for Dublin. At the same time, the current ETF “deemed disposal” Irish tax rules continue to act as a barrier for both investors and fund promoters. With Budget 2026 around the corner, there is an opportunity to consider reforms that would better align Ireland with international peers, broaden retail investor participation, and reinforce Ireland’s position as a leading hub for ETF activity. In our response to the Ireland for Finance 2026–2030 consultation, Chartered Accountants Ireland highlighted the importance of strengthening Euronext Dublin and modernising the tax treatment of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as part of Ireland’s next financial services strategy. Ireland is already a global leader in ETFs, but further action is needed to ensure long-term competitiveness. Revitalising Euronext Dublin Ireland’s domestic exchange is a vital piece of infrastructure. A deeper, more liquid stock exchange not only helps indigenous firms raise equity but also positions Ireland as more than just a fund servicing centre. Reviving Euronext Dublin is key to building credibility as a hub for capital markets activity. A European Opportunity Euronext has recently launched its first integrated marketplace for European ETFs, designed to boost liquidity, transparency and efficiency across multiple exchanges. With Ireland’s established expertise in ETF servicing and regulation, Dublin is well placed to take advantage of this development and attract new flows of capital. Tackling the Tax Barrier The current “deemed disposal” rule; taxing ETF investors every eight years, even if they do not sell, creates a barrier for both domestic investors and international promoters. Reforming this rule would make Ireland more competitive internationally and encourage wider retail participation in capital markets. Budget 2026 as a Turning Point Budget 2026 provides an opportunity to modernise ETF taxation and align Ireland with peer jurisdictions. Coupled with the momentum from Euronext’s new ETF marketplace, such reform could strengthen Ireland’s position as a leading location for ETF activity and deliver long-term benefits for the wider economy. For more information read our full submission to the Department of Finance on Ireland for Finance 2026–2030  here.

Last week, the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, met with the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight to discuss Budget 2026.  In his opening statement, Minister Donohoe outlined the economic context and fiscal background to  Budget 2026 which will be announced next week. The Minister confirmed a total budget package of €9.4 billion, made up of €1.5 billion in tax and €7.9 billion in expenditure measures. The risks associated with the overreliance by the economy on the FDI sector and corporation tax receipts were noted. The Minister outlined measures to address these risks, including continuing to run budgetary surpluses and building up the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund to €16 billion by the end of 2025. In his opening statement, Minister Chambers outlined the ongoing work in terms of the Summer Economic Statement, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the National Development Plan.

Cróna Clohisey, Director of Members & Advocacy commented:  “Today’s Action Plan places a welcome emphasis on controlling what we can in a volatile global environment. It is encouraging to see the announcement of a ‘Red Tape Challenge’ to reduce regulation for SMEs. Combined with the existing SME Test, we hope to see reduced cost and regulatory burdens so businesses can spend more time innovating and creating jobs. Our research reinforces this urgency; 57% of SMEs surveyed by us this year identified regulatory compliance burdens as a key area in need of government support.  “The policy focus on examining options to boost the competitiveness of the R&D Tax Credit is crucial for ensuring that Ireland remains a top destination for innovation, attracting both domestic and international companies. The R&D tax credit regime critically requires enhancements for greater uptake and access for SMEs and we have called for these in the CCAB-I Pre-Budget Submission.   “The announcement of a National Artificial Intelligence Office reflects our longstanding view that AI is a powerful opportunity to reduce administrative burdens, enhance data driven decision making and bolster competitiveness. The NAIO will hopefully be a much-needed forum to shape the future landscape for business in Ireland. “While the direction of the Action Plan is welcome, as is a whole-of-Government commitment, delivery will be critical. The implementation framework with its broad timelines is a useful element of the plan, however businesses also need to see accountability and transparent implementation so that these policy objectives translate into progress on the ground.”  

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to meet with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, and his officials to discuss the CCAB-I’s Pre-Budget 2026 submission. Our conversation focused on several key areas critical to Ireland’s competitiveness and business environment. We highlighted the work to date through the Tax Administration Liaison Committee and the Business Tax Stakeholder Forum on tax simplification, as well as the importance of tax certainty for businesses. We also highlighted the critical need for investment in infrastructure such as housing and childcare.   In terms of the specific tax measures we raised with the Minister, we discussed the following: Enhanced reporting requirements for employers – we highlighted the operational challenges of real-time reporting of in-scope tax free benefits and expenses, recommending periodic returns on either a monthly or quarterly basis. Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) – We stressed the importance of SARP in attracting global talent and called for its expansion to include SMEs and benchmarking our relief against comparable regimes in other jurisdictions. Participation Exemption for certain foreign dividends – While welcoming recent progress, we advocated for further enhancements, including completing work on a corresponding foreign branch exemption. Minister Donohoe reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to certainty and stability, which are essential for fostering a thriving business environment for both domestic and international businesses. We look forward to continued engagement to ensure Ireland remains a best-in-class location for business.

It was a busy week in Government Buildings with the publication of both the Summer Economic Statement and the revised National Development Plan.  5 key takeaways from our team The overall package of tax reductions and public spending increases for Budget 2026 will amount to €9.4 billion, an increase of 7.3 percent on the revised 2025 General Expenditure Ceiling, with the total tax package amounting to €1.5 billion. At a time of great uncertainty at a global level with the prospect of increased US tariffs looming over the Irish economy, and the deterioration of the short-term outlook in Ireland, careful planning will be crucial to ensure any corresponding economic slowdown is managed.   Infrastructure was the only show in town this week. Data from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has identified a 25 percent infrastructural gap between Ireland and its peer countries. This week’s commitment to an additional €34 billion in additional capital spending for the remainder of the decade is critical if Ireland is to narrow this substantial gap.     The infrastructure challenge is a cross-government one, so the solutions must be too. The National Development Plan outlines the importance of proper governance and appraisal of capital expenditure in ensuring public funds are deployed efficiently and impactfully. The establishment of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce should streamline the various government agencies responsible for implementing the Government’s ambitions. This is the critical success factor for Ireland – delivery of an infrastructure fit for an advanced economy with global ambitions. Key to this will be delivery of an appropriate return on investment for the government’s key stakeholder – its taxpayers.   Housing is only one part of the puzzle.1 in 4 SMEs surveyed by Chartered Accountants Ireland in April reported that their business has lost employees or seen prospective employees unable to take a role due to the unavailability of affordable housing. So, it is encouraging to see such significant emphasis on addressing this persistent challenge over the next five years. That said, the critical levers to ensuring Ireland’s competitiveness also include energy and water, so these significant deficits in the State’s infrastructure need to be addressed holistically if Ireland is to fully realise its ambition of becoming a place where businesses can thrive.   Among the most frequent barriers encountered by Chartered Accountants Ireland’s 40,000 members is access to childcare, and we have lobbied extensively on this issue. Despite being featured as a key commitment in the Programme for Government, the revised National Development Plan lacks detail on how more childcare places will be created for working parents. Greater priority must be given to an issue that so fundamentally affects the labour market.  The Government this week also released the Tax Strategy Group papers, and we will have full coverage of these documents in Tax News this coming Monday.