Revenue issued a press release last week confirming that Local Property Tax (LPT) returns and payments have been now made for over 1.9 million properties, as part of last year’s revaluation process. However, the statistics show that returns in respect of approximately 390,000 properties remain outstanding, albeit payment arrangements are in place in respect of 227,000 of these properties. Revenue is requesting all residential property owners who have not filed an LPT return to do so immediately. Revenue has advised that it will be writing to non-compliant property owners as part of its LPT compliance campaign. For property owners who have not yet made arrangements to pay their 2026 liability, a range of flexible payment options remain available including payment by direct debit or salary deduction over a reduced ten-month period, or alternatively a single annual deduction. Compliance letters will shortly issue to property owners in employment where a return has not been filed or where a payment arrangement is not in place. Property owners in this category will be given a two‑week deadline to submit their return and payment. If they fail to do so, Revenue will instruct their employer to begin deducting LPT from their employment income. Further correspondence will issue in due course to other categories of property owners. For the 227,000 property owners who have payment arrangements in place but have yet to file a return, Revenue is requesting these property owners to file their LPT return and update their valuation band as failure to do so will result in enforcement action. Revenue’s website includes an interactive valuation tool to assist property owners in assessing the value of their property which is intended as a guide only. We have outlined further relevant details in our earlier newsletter item. Updated property statistics are available on the Revenue website and includes the latest data for LPT, Vacant Homes Tax and Residential Zoned Land Tax.

In last week’s Tax Newsletter, we notified readers that we received an invitation to present before the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach as part of the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Finance (Tax Appeals and Fiscal Responsibility) Bill 2025. You can now watch that session in full here. The invitation was received following our submission to the Committee in December. In our opening statement and in response to the questions raised by the Committee, we highlighted two fundamental concerns with the proposals in Head 5 of the Revised General Scheme of Finance (Tax Appeals and Fiscal Responsibility) Bill 2025, being the protection of taxpayer privacy and the shifting of power too far toward the State. We expressed our unequivocal support for the protection of taxpayer privacy, and our position is that the right to elect for a private hearing should be preserved at the Tax Appeals Commission as a court of first instance. Tax appeals often involve deeply sensitive personal and financial information. For over a decade, taxpayers have had the right to request a private hearing at the TAC, with anonymised determinations still published to ensure transparency and accountability to the public. The legal principles underscoring a determination of the TAC are available to the public as it stands. Further, the nature of a Tax Appeal is that all information is provided at the outset of an appeal. A key reason for administering justice in public is to enable the public to provide information to ensure justice can be achieved. However, in the case of tax appeals, this requirement has already been satisfied by the legal obligations of taxpayers under the Tax Acts. There obligations demand complete transparency of all financial information to Revenue for the purposes of filing an accurate and complete tax return. We also expressed our grave concerns that shifting balance of power toward the State risks undermining the spirit of voluntary compliance that underscores the entire self-assessment model. Removing the taxpayer’s right to elect for a private hearing risks deterring compliant taxpayers from seeking independent adjudication of Revenue’s legal interpretations thereby eroding trust and transparency and undermining confidence in the overall appeals process.  Paradoxically, those who deliberately default may still protect their privacy where they are seen to cooperate with Revenue, while compliant taxpayers will now likely lose that right in most cases. The proposed amendments draw on the Supreme Court’s decision in Zalewski v the Workplace Relations Commission. However, that case involved an absolute ban on public hearings; the Tax Appeal Commission is already public by default. The proposals go far beyond what the Constitution requires—and in doing so, places taxpayer rights in the hands of a quasi-judicial body, rather than preserving the longstanding statutory protections afforded to compliant taxpayers. At a time when voluntary compliance underpins our self‑assessment system, it is vital that taxpayers retain a meaningful, reliable right to privacy in tax matters. The proposed amendments would significantly undermine that principle.

Institute responds to consultation on upcoming Northern Ireland Budget 2026 Chartered Accountants Ireland has urged the Northern Ireland Executive to prioritise measures that will help attract investment, support entrepreneurs and enable more people to participate in the workforce. The Institute made the recommendations in its submission to the public consultation on the upcoming Northern Ireland Budget 2026. Grant Sweetnam, Head of Public Policy at Chartered Accountants Ireland said:  “Northern Ireland has enormous economic potential but realising that potential requires a consistent, coherent and long-term industrial policy that attracts investment, creates secure, well-paid jobs and fosters entrepreneurialism and innovation. “Entrepreneurs and foreign direct investment are central to growth, and they need a tax system that encourages ambition and innovation. At the same time, removing barriers to cross-border working and investing in affordable childcare would make it easier for people to participate fully in the labour market. “Taken together, these measures would strengthen competitiveness, attract investment and support sustainable economic growth for the long term. In an environment of geopolitical upheaval these are measures that are within the government’s control.” Improving cross-border working arrangements The Institute highlighted the growing importance of cross-border and hybrid working across the island of Ireland, noting that current tax and administrative rules can create challenges for both employers and employees when frontier workers spend part of their time working from home. To support a more integrated all-island labour market, the Institute is urging the Executive to work with HM Treasury and the Government of Ireland to reduce administrative burdens and address disparities in the tax treatment of pension contributions and retirement income. Exploring a reduced corporation tax rate Chartered Accountants Ireland also calls for renewed efforts to reduce the corporation tax rate in Northern Ireland, suggesting the Department of Finance and the Department for the Economy commission an economic analysis on the potential impact of this reduced corporation tax rate. Sweetnam said: “A competitive corporate tax rate could help attract investment, create well-paid jobs and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship and we urge the Executive place a renewed focus on achieving a lower corporate tax rate. “The Institute also called on the Executive to invest in, and reform Invest NI to strengthen its ability to build relationships with major international companies and better promote Northern Ireland as a destination for investment.” Investing in childcare The Institutes submission highlights the economic benefits of affordable and accessible childcare. Greater childcare provision would help increase workforce participation and improve productivity. Sweetnam concluded: “Research conducted by the Institute found that 51% of respondents in Northern Ireland had either reduced their working hours or requested flexible working arrangements because of childcare pressures. “We welcome the publication of the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy and encourage the Executive and the Northern Ireland Assembly to prioritise childcare investment in the forthcoming budget.” Supporting entrepreneurs Chartered Accountants Ireland emphasises that entrepreneurs are central to economic growth, creating jobs and driving innovation across the economy. It calls for greater support through the tax system and warned of potential divergence between Northern Ireland and Great Britain as changes to the UK’s Tax Advantaged Venture Capital Schemes come into effect. The Institute argues that entrepreneurial tax supports should not be limited to high-growth companies alone, but should also benefit other businesses with strong growth ambitions. The Institute also suggests that a wider review of how the UK tax system can encourage entrepreneurship and business growth would be beneficial.

This week Chartered Accountants Ireland represented members in attending the Cost of Business Advisory Forum run by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. The meeting follows the Institute’s submission recently where the focus was on banking, payments and financial services.  We outlined how banking services in Ireland, particularly on the payments side, is behind what is available as standard in other countries.  Competition is essential in moving the dial in terms of banking services and reducing costs for SMEs. We urged both the Central Bank and the Government to recognise that the lack of competition in the banking sector is a drag on the economy and needs to be acted on.    The Institute highlighted the need for the banking sector to move quicker to Account to Account (A2A) payment services.   A2A is an instant payment mechanism which does not need an intermediary card. A2A payments benefit businesses by reducing transaction costs, speeding up settlement and improving reconciliation through real-time data and automation.   At the moment payers end up using credit or debit cards to pay SMEs online and it is the SME that incurs the significant costs of availing of those services. In addition, it is very challenging for SMEs to track who is paying money into their account. This adds to administration cost for SMEs.  In terms of access to finance for SMEs, the Institute highlighted the need for Ireland to deepen the capital markets and improve retail investment in Ireland. We urged the Government to introduce a Savings and Investment Account in Ireland which will encourage workers and households to invest in SMEs.  Following this meeting, the Institute will continue to contribute to the Cost of Business Advisory Forum with the aim of completing a comprehensive report on business costs with important and achievable recommendations for Government. 

The Chairman of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society has called for a reduction in Corporation Tax as part of a wider, credible industrial strategy to drive investment, job creation and long-term economic growth in Northern Ireland. Speaking at the Ulster Society’s Annual Dinner, attended by almost 500 business leaders, policymakers and professionals, Chairman Mark Lawther highlighted the findings of the Society’s latest member survey, which points to ongoing economic uncertainty and the need for decisive policy action. “The global outlook remains unpredictable, and that uncertainty is clearly reflected at a local level,” said Mark Lawther. “Confidence in Northern Ireland’s prospects has dipped slightly, with fewer than 6% of our members currently describing the outlook as ‘good’. That underlines the scale of the challenge—and the urgency of the response required.” Ulster’s Chartered Accountants also voice significant concern around public finances, with 94% of members citing public sector funding pressures as having a negative impact on the local economy. “Public sector reform is seen by our members as the single most important priority,” he said. “Alongside that, there is a clear message that we are not yet making the most of Northern Ireland’s unique post-EU trading position, despite the real potential that exists.” Mark Lawther emphasised that Northern Ireland has strong economic fundamentals, including dual market access to Great Britain and the EU, a competitive cost base, and growing political stability. “After a period when certainty felt like a rare commodity, it is encouraging that we can now talk about stability not as an aspiration, but as a foundation,” he said. “That gives us a real opportunity to build momentum and create an environment where Northern Ireland—and its people—can genuinely thrive.” However, he stressed that unlocking this potential will require bold and coordinated action. “A reduction in Corporation Tax, as part of the right policy mix, could be genuinely transformational,” he said. “It would allow us to leverage our unique market position, attract global investment, support local businesses, and create high-value jobs.” “In recent months, we have engaged with all five of Northern Ireland’s main political parties on this issue. As people who live and work here, and who care deeply about its future, we believe that a competitive Corporation Tax rate could be a game changer for our economy.” Reflecting on the role of the profession, Mark Lawther highlighted the contribution Chartered Accountants make across the economy. “Chartered Accountants are at the heart of business and public service, supporting organisations to adapt, grow and innovate,” he said. “We don’t just witness change—we help make it happen. Every day, our members are working alongside businesses that are evolving and expanding, helping to build a more competitive and resilient Northern Ireland.” He also welcomed the attendance of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, noting the importance of political leadership and engagement with the business community. “Business thrives best in an environment of certainty, collaboration and ambition,” he said. “We very much value the leadership shown in restoring stable government and in setting a constructive tone for the work of the Executive.” The Annual Dinner, sponsored by Danske Bank and MCS Group, celebrated the contribution of Chartered Accountants across Northern Ireland and brought together leaders from across industry, professional services and enterprise.  

This week the Institute met with Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, and officials as preparations continue to gather pace for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU (‘EU Presidency’), now just three months away.  The meeting provided an opportunity to talk through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s submission on the Presidency and to set out what we believe Ireland’s priorities should be over the six‑month term with a focus on competitiveness and simplification.  Against that backdrop, the discussion focused on the importance of progressing two key initiatives: EU Inc. and the Savings and Investment Union. We emphasised that securing meaningful progress on these proposals within the six‑month window would represent a highly successful Presidency and would be of significant strategic importance for Ireland and the wider EU economy.  Chartered Accountants Ireland reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with Government in the lead‑up to, and throughout, the Presidency. With a 40,000-strong membership across Ireland and internationally, the Institute is well placed to support engagement, understanding and debate on key Presidency priorities.  Looking ahead, members can expect a programme of activity by the Institute during the six‑month Presidency, including publications, briefings and events focused on competitiveness and simplification. These initiatives will be designed to keep members informed, to showcase professional insights and to contribute positively to Ireland’s Presidency objectives. Further details will be shared in the coming months, and members are encouraged to keep an eye on Chartered News and Institute channels for updates. 

In Irish news, Revenue has published updated guidance on the agent e-linking process, and we issue a further reminder that the deadline for submitting the 2025 share related returns is 31 March 2026. In UK news, the Chancellor’s recent Mais lecture sets out plans for more fiscal devolution, and the Finance Bill has now received Royal Assent to become Finance Act 2026. In International news this week, the European Commission launches a public consultation on the revision of EU rules for e-Invoicing in public procurement. Ireland 1. Revenue has issued updated guidance on the agent e-linking process with the inclusion of several revised screenshots. 2. The deadline for employers and trustees operating share schemes to file the 2025 annual share‑related returns is 31 March 2026. UK 3. Read about the recent Mais lecture given by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at Bayes Business School. 4. Finance Act 2026 has now been enacted legislating for a wide range of changes, some of which will become effective from next month. International 5. The European Commission has launched a public consultation seeking feedback on the planned revision of the EU rules on e-Invoicing in public procurement. 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. You can also read this week’s Cross-border developments and trading corner here.    

The Designated Professional Body (DPB) Handbooks are updated with effect from 1 April 2026.  These are available on the Institute’s website here. The DPB Handbooks are relevant to firms in relation to certain financial activities in the UK.  They are issued jointly by the Institute, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). The DPB Handbooks consist of:  The DPB (Investment Business) Handbook which sets out how firms can be licenced by the Institute to carry out certain investment business activities which are ‘exempt regulated activities’ without the need to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).  The DPB (Consumer Credit) Handbook which sets out the arrangements in place which enable Institute firms to provide consumer credit services in the UK without the need for authorisation from the FCA. The updates to the DPB Handbooks at this time are twofold: DPB (Investment Business) Handbook only:  to update the required levels of professional indemnity insurance (PII) for authorised firms providing permitted Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) activities, to reflect the requirements of the FCA.  Accordingly, an authorised firm, before it engages in any relevant IDD activities, must have in place PII equivalent to at least: €1,300,380 for each claim; and, in aggregate, the higher of: €1,924,560; and an amount equivalent to 10% of annual income (this amount being subject to a maximum of £30 million). This update to the DPB (Investment Business) Handbook should not affect Institute firms since the Institute’s Public Practice Regulations (6.18) already require firms which conduct IDD activities (either under authorisation from the Institute or from the FCA) to have in place PII at limits prescribed by the FCA.   In both the DPB Handbooks:  changes for ICAS authorised firms only – these changes provide for alignment of the DPB Handbooks with the regulatory processes of ICAS (recently changed) and relate only to ICAS authorised firms.  These changes are not relevant to Chartered Accountants Ireland firms.

The guidance on the Cost of Living Accommodation Allowance for Representative Church Bodies has been updated to include details of the allowance for 2025 and to update relevant examples accordingly.

Revenue has published updated guidance on the Residential Premises Rental Income Relief (RPRIR) providing information on the availability of the relief and other credits for non-resident landlords. Section 1032 TCA 1997 provides that in certain circumstances a portion of personal credits, reliefs, and deductions, including the RPRIR are available for non-resident landlords. The guidance outlines that this portion is determined by the ratio of the Irish source income to the total income of the individual, and the taxpayer is required to complete the ‘Worldwide Income’ field on the ‘Personal Details’ panel of the Form 11.

Revenue has updated its guidance on the Incapacitated Child tax credit to reorganise the content and to provide additional clarifications on claiming the relief. The relevant updates are as follows: A new summary paragraph has been included to provide clarity on certain terms referred to in section 465 TCA 1997. Paragraph two addresses the timing of when the individual became permanently incapacitated. The following references have been removed from paragraph three: the criteria to provide a doctor's certificate or similar medical report, and maintaining for the purposes of the credit Paragraph five confirms that the incapacitated child tax credit is not available where a tax deduction for employing a carer for an incapacitated person has been claimed

Revenue has updated its guidance on submitting and managing queries submitted on MyEnquiries via ROS. The update (in paragraph 1.3) advises taxpayers that the dropdown menu option may not be available for some users. In these cases, Revenue advises that the system will automatically categorise the correspondence.