In this week’s Sustainability/ESG bulletin, read about the €8.8 billion gross output by Ireland’s Environment Goods and Services Sector, and a report on gender disparities in the labour market across the island of Ireland. Also covered is the new climate change reporting duties for specified public bodies in Northern Ireland, updates on the EU gas and electricity markets, new resources – including a new carbon software guide from Chartered Accountants Worldwide  – and the usual articles and upcoming events.  IRELAND Congratulations to SustainabilityWorks! The Institute is delighted to congratulate SustainabilityWorks on winning the ESG Consultancy Awards at the Business and Finance ESG Awards yesterday.   SustainabilityWorks was co-founded by FCA Laura Heuston, aims to help Ireland unlock the financial, economic and social opportunities that come from sustainability. Chartered Accountants Ireland was nominated for an award in the category of ESG Company Awards (SME). Adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland Chartered Accountants Ireland has responded to the consultation by IAASA on the adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland.  Read more from our Professional Accounting team. Ireland’s Environment Goods and Services Sector’s gross output worth €8.8 billion The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today released statistics for the Environment Goods and Services Sector (EGSS) for 2021. Figures for the sector, sometimes called ‘eco-industries’, show that the gross output of the EGSS was €8.8 billion in 2021, 1.1 percent of national accounts output. The gross value added (GVA) was €3.9 billion and full-time equivalent employment in the sector was 40,300. Report finds gender disparities in labour market across island of Ireland A new study published by the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) has highlighted persistent gender disparities in labour market participation and working conditions in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The report assesses barriers to employment and highlights significant differences in low pay, working from home, and hours of work between women and men in the two jurisdictions. Levels of labour market participation are lower for both women and men in Northern Ireland compared to Ireland, with female labour force participation at 76 percent in Ireland and 72 percent in Northern Ireland. According to the report, differences in education attainment account for much of the differences across jurisdictions. NORTHERN IRELAND & UK UK Export Academy’s sustainability month The UK Export Academy is running a ‘sustainability month’ with a series of webinars in May covering key topics around becoming a sustainable business. Webinars are on topics including understanding key legislation, getting to grips with EU packaging rules and exploring how to use digital trade documentation. Find out more and register here. New climate change reporting duties for specified public bodies The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has announced new regulations introducing climate change reporting duties on specified public bodies in line with duties under the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. The regulations will come into operation in early May 2024, 21 days after they are laid in the Assembly, but the first reports will not be due to be submitted until October 2025. Tenford NetZero Accelerator programme seeks applications Minister Andrew Muir has recently announced that the Tenfold NetZero Accelerator programme is taking applications from the UK’s technology startup and SME community. The programme aims to develop innovative methods that will help improve efficiency on-farm linked to feed management and usage, easy access to nutrient data; as well as help reduce waste during the production of dark glass bottles.  Each successful technology provider will receive £20,000 in funding from the industry partners.   EUROPE European Commission commits funding to OECD’s carbon mitigation program  (From our colleagues on the Tax Team) The European Commission has signed an agreement with the OECD to provide financial support to the OECD’s Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA). The IFCMA is a project which aims to optimise global emissions reduction efforts by better data and information sharing, evidence-based mutual learning, and inclusive multilateral discussions. The IFCMA was launched in February 2023 and has welcomed 58 members, including some from outside the OECD.  Horizon Europe funding increase The Commission has adopted an amendment to the 2023-24 Work Programme of Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme. The amendment mobilises previously unallocated Horizon Europe funding to increase the 2024 budget by nearly €1.4 billion to a total of €7.3 billion. It also includes an investment of nearly €650 million in the EU Missions aiming to contribute to solving some of the challenges facing Europe, for example, making more than 100 cities climate neutral. Reforms to the EU gas and electricity markets  MEPs have approved reforms for a more sustainable and resilient EU gas market, adopting plans to facilitate the uptake of renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen. Along with a new directive will help decarbonise the gas sector to tackle climate change, MEPs also secured measures to protect vulnerable consumers and to ensure transparency, and to enable EU countries to restrict imports from Russia and Belarus. These measures will now have to be formally adopted by Council before publication on the Official Journal. Separately the EU Parliament has adopted reforms of the EU electricity market to protect consumers against volatile prices and, among other things, prohibit suppliers from cutting the electricity supply of vulnerable customers, including during disputes between suppliers and customers. After Parliament’s approval, Council also needs to formally adopt the legislation to become law. GLOBAL Climate case to set benchmark for future litigation In a decision that will set a benchmark for future climate litigation, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) last week ruled that insufficient action to tackle climate change was a violation of human rights. In delivering Grand Chamber rulings in three climate change cases, the ECHR ruled that inadequate action by Switzerland to reduce carbon emissions breached the rights to respect for family and private life of some of its most vulnerable citizens. That case was brought by a group of 2,000 Swiss women, mostly in their 70s. Separately, India’s Supreme Court has reportedly expanded the “right to life” to include “protection against adverse effects of climate change”, adding that “climate change threatens ‘constitutional guarantees of equality and health’, impacting factors such as air pollution, disease, and food security”. The decision has been described as a “call to action”, adding that the significance of the ruling “cannot be overstated. Similar cases related to governments’ liability to protect citizens from climate change are being deliberated this year by the International Court of Justice, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. New resources Chartered Accountants Worldwide has published a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that businesses often encounter when navigating the complexities of calculating their company’s carbon footprint. This is accompanied by a helpful selection of global software providers that may offer suitable solutions to businesses grappling with an ever-increasing demand from regulators, customers, and suppliers for organisations to measure and report their carbon footprint.  Find out more on the Chartered Accountants Worldwide website’s sustainability centre. The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has released a new publication setting out four key areas where accountants need to update their knowledge to meet the growing demand for high-quality sustainability-related information. Equipping Professional Accountants for Sustainability: What's New and What Hasn't Changed speaks to the vital role that accountants play in producing reliable sustainability-related data, reporting and assurance, as well as the importance of education and training in ensuring professional accountants are able to meet society’s needs. Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting Chartered Accountants Ireland hugely popular Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting is now accepting registrations for its next sitting, start on 8 May. Register here. Technical Round-Up (From our colleagues in Professional Accounting) In the first episode of its new podcast series entitled “the ISSB Implementation Insights podcast” the IFRS Foundation discuss the recent Transition Implementation Group meeting on IFRS S1 and IFRS S2. EFRAG is preparing guidance to help companies disclose their transition plans in line with the ESRS standards and are seeking assistance from European companies to provide input on a variety of practices and challenges in relation to this. Interested entities can apply by 23 April 2024. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have announced their collaboration to support the corporate reporting needs of market participants globally. In doing so they have announced some plans for further joint publications. Articles ‘Two years to save the world’: UN climate chief calls for faster action and more finance (EuroNews) The role of tax in CSRD double materiality assessments: Tax must be considered as part of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive’s double materiality assessment (Accountancy Ireland – Briefly) There’s no net-zero without SMEs – but they need more support (SME Climate Hub/Edie) KPMG: Majority of U.S. CEOs Expect Significant Returns from Sustainability Investments Within 3-5 Years (ESG Today) [Mary] Robinson calls for implementation of climate policies (RTÉ News) Fossil fuel lobbyists spending $4bn a year to undermine climate justice movement, Mary Robinson warns (Irish Independent) Upcoming Events  ICAEW, Sustainability for Business Gain insights on integrating sustainability into business operations, going beyond just carbon to consider the broader impacts and dependencies on people and planet. In person, 23 April, 08:15 - 12:00, Chartered Accountants Hall, One Moorgate Place, London, EC2R 6EA, UK   Chartered Accountants Ireland, Ulster Society Sustainability Reporting & the Public Sector The Chartered Accountants Ireland Ulster Society is hosting a free in-person event Sustainability in the Public Sector, where we will delve into the crucial realm of Sustainability Accounting and Reporting (SAR) across the island of Ireland.  Speakers include Dr. Elaine Stewart & Professor, Ciaran Connolly, Queen’s Business School and Gareth Martin, Deloitte.In person, 24 April, Chartered Accountants Ireland, 32-38 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BG, 12.30pm - 2pm. Lunch from 12.30pm with presentations from 1pm, followed by Q&A CAW Network USA: Beyond Accounting – Sustainability in Transactions Understand the issues of sustainability, including environmental, social and economic impacts of the transition to a net-zero economy, the challenges facing most organizations, the interrelationship between mergers and acquisitions and divestment, and how to identify appropriate sustainability related considerations during investment and divestment workflows. Virtual: 23 APRIL – 7pm – 8.30pm EASTERN / 24 APRIL – 11am NEW ZEALAND / 9am SYDNEY ICAS Sustainability Summit This event, hosted in association with Accounting for Sustainability (A4S), will bring together sustainability experts and forward-thinking business leaders to explore how we can accelerate the vital business changes needed to save our planet. A specialist line-up of speakers and panellists will delve into the future of sustainable business, the role of technology in the climate transition and the evolving sustainability reporting landscape. The summit also marks the launch of ICAS’ sustainability business network – a collaborative community where professionals can share and benefit from sustainability-related insights. In person, Edinburgh, 25 April 2024. European Commission Supporting companies in applying the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)” In-person and virtual: 16 May , 09:00 - 13:00 CET Half-day event to showcase ongoing initiatives and discuss ideas for further mechanisms to support companies that apply the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards. iQuest & Business Post, ESG Summit 2024  In person, Dublin (Croke Park), April 30th   European Commission Supporting companies in applying the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)” In-person and virtual: 16 May , 09:00 - 13:00 cet Half-day event to showcase ongoing initiatives and discuss ideas for further mechanisms to support companies that apply the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards. ICAEW, Preparing your business for the green workforce, (time to be confirmed) This webinar will provide an overview of the latest trends on green skills in the UK economy and the key steps businesses are to take to develop an inclusive green talent pipeline. The speakers will feature case studies of UK businesses that have implemented green skills development initiatives and key recommendations. 21 May, Virtual National Sustainability Summit 2024 In person (RDS, Dublin), May 28-29   1Business World, 2024 Global Natural Capital Conference Virtual, June 3-4, 2024,   EPA Circular Economy Conference 2024 Online and inperson (Aviva Stadium, Dublin), 25 September Network for Chartered Accountants working on ESG projects Are you a Chartered Accountant working in ESG or working on ESG-related projects? Would you like an opportunity to engage with other Chartered Accountants working in this space to share insights, challenges and opportunities? Chartered Accountants Ireland now has a network to allow members working in sustainability/ESG to meet and discuss all matters of interest re ESG and accounting. Next meeting: Wednesday, 24 April, 14:00-15.30 Teams If you would like to attend, please email sustainability@charteredaccountants.ie You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.

Welcome to the latest edition of Technical Roundup. In developments since the last edition, Chartered Accountants Ireland have responded to IAASA’s consultation on the adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland.  Fallon Judge, Director of Civil Enforcement at the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA), provided a very informative session and slides during  a recent edition of our Practice News Webinar. The IASB have also issued its latest standard- IFRS 18. Read more on these and other developments that may be of interest to members below. Financial Reporting The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has published its latest standard IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements. The new standard will be effective for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2027 (with early adoption permitted) and will replace IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements. The new standard carries forward many requirements from IAS 1 unchanged and seeks to improve comparability of the statement of profit or loss, enhance transparency of management defined performance measures and group information in a more useful manner in the financial statements. To support the implementation of IFRS 18, the IASB has included supporting information on an IFRS 18 implementation webpage. This webpage contains educational materials, webinars and implementation questions. Following the issue of IFRS 18, EFRAG, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group, has updated its Endorsement Status Report. EFRAG and the IASB are holding webinars to introduce IFRS 18 on the 7th and 11th June. The IASB has issued an April 2024 IFRS for SMEs Update, which summarises news, events and other information about the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard. The update includes details of recent proposed amendments to the standard. The IASB has concluded its project on Business Combinations under Common Control and has published a project summary which explains the reasons behind the IASB’s decision in November 2023 not to develop requirements for reporting Business Combinations under Common Control. In its recent article entitled “Digital financial reporting—Facilitating digital comparability and analysis of financial reports”, the IFRS Foundation discuss what digital financial reports are, how they are created, and their benefits to stakeholders and other investors. EFRAG has published its March 2024 update. This summarises public technical discussions held, and decisions taken during the month. EFRAG has been gathering stakeholders views on the post-implementation review of IFRS 16 leases and the deadline for submission of views in relation to this is 22 April 2024. EFRAG has published its final comment letter on the IASB’s Exposure Draft ED/2023/5 Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Equity (Proposed amendments to IAS 32, IFRS 7 and IAS 1). Whilst agreeing with many of the clarifications, EFRAG made some recommendations to the IASB to improve the standards. EFRAG has issued a Feedback Statement which summarises the main comments received on its 2022 Discussion Paper Accounting for Variable Consideration- From a purchaser’s perspective. Accountancy Europe has published its April 2024 SME Update. The UK Endorsement Board (UKEB) has issued a report entitled “The IASB Exposure Draft: Regulatory Assets and Liabilities- A Preliminary Economic Assessment”. The purpose of the report is to provide information and economic analysis that will inform the UKEB’s assessment of the wider economic impacts of a new IFRS standard covering Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, if adopted in the UK in future. The consultation period for the UKEB’s Endorsement Criteria Assessment on Lack of Exchangeability – Amendments to IAS 21 closes on 6 May 2024. The UKEB have announced some outreach activities on the IASB’s Exposure Draft Business Combinations – Disclosures, Goodwill and Impairment. Auditing and Assurance Chartered Accountants Ireland has responded to IAASA’s consultation on the adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland.  Anti–money laundering and sanctions The European Commission last month published a report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive. This report assessed how the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive was implemented. It gives a comprehensive review and touches on particular areas such as beneficial ownership and politically exposed persons. Insolvency The next issue of Introduction to members of the CCAB-I Insolvency Committee was recently published and gives an insight into the career and experience of Committee member Shane McAleer of Somers, Murphy & Earl. Sustainability In the first episode of its new podcast series entitled “the ISSB Implementation Insights podcast” the IFRS Foundation discuss the recent Transition Implementation Group meeting on IFRS S1 and IFRS S2. The European Commission is hosting a half day event entitled “Supporting companies in applying the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)” on 16th May. The event will seek to showcase ongoing initiatives and discuss ideas for further mechanisms to support companies that apply the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards. EFRAG is preparing guidance to help companies disclose their transition plans in line with the ESRS standards and are seeking assistance from European companies to provide input on a variety of practices and challenges in relation to this. Interested entities can apply by 23 April 2024. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have announced their collaboration to support the corporate reporting needs of market participants globally. In doing so they have announced some plans for further joint publications. IFAC, the International Federation of Accountants has released a publication which sets out four key areas where accountants need to update their knowledge to meet the growing demand for high-quality sustainability-related information. Central Bank of Ireland On 9 April 2024, the Central Bank of Ireland published its updated approach to Expectations for Authorisation of Payment and Electronic Money Institutions and Registration of Account Information Service Providers together with a document setting out its expectations regarding the authorisation/registration of these regulated fintech entities. Click here for more information. The Central Bank recently published its Financial Conditions of Credit Unions Report which provides an update on the financial performance and position of the sector for the financial year ended 30 September 2023. The publication provides sectoral data and commentary and identifies key trends and notes that the Credit Union Amendment Act 2023, enacted last December, is a significant development and will provide new business opportunities for credit unions. In other Central Bank news, the Director Financial Regulation, Policy and Risk recently spoke about the Central Bank’s current consultation on its proposed review of the Consumer Protection Code. The review seeks to provide enhanced clarity and predictability, secure customers’ interests and modernise the code. Click here to read the director’s comments. Corporate Enforcement Authority The Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) has recently issued Information Notice 2024/1 – ‘Circumstances leading to Disqualification under the Companies Act 2014 and the associated consequences.’  The Information Note provides guidance on the purpose and effects of disqualification, and on the various ways in which a person can be disqualified from acting as a company director and also provides guidance on the consequences of breaching a disqualification. The CEA have also issued their April 2024 Newsletter. This focusses on the information note mentioned above, recent media activities and other relevant developments. Fallon Judge, Director of Civil Enforcement at the CEA provided a very informative session and slides during Friday 12 April 2024 edition of Practice News Webinar. Fallon gave a comprehensive overview of the work of the CEA including its investigative capabilities, sources of work and its approach to enforcement. She also drew attention to the information available on the Authority’s website including recent information notes on accepting directorships and guidance regarding disqualification under company law referred to above. A free recording of the webinar is available on the Institute’s YouTube Channel. Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment The Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and Knowledge Transfer Ireland are jointly hosting a full-day conference on 23rd April 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane Dublin 8 from 10am.The conference is entitled “Unlocking the Value of Knowledge Transfer Conference” This is part of the event series that the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research and Innovation are conducting across Europe.  Neale Richmond, T.D., Minister for Business, Employment and Retail will open the conference. You can read more here about the conference and how to register . Other The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued the fourth edition of its Report on the Quality and Use of Data which provides transparency on how the data collected under different regulations is used systematically by authorities in the EU and clarifying the actions taken to ensure data quality.   The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is in the initial stages of a research study examining the state of competition across several sectors of the Irish economy. This project will provide an overview of the evolution of competition in Ireland over recent years and in doing so, it may identify competition or consumer protection issues that require further consideration or investigation. It is inviting interested parties to share their views. Click here for more information and details on how to contribute to the study. The closing date for submissions is 5pm Friday 17 May 2024. For further technical information and updates please visit the Technical Hub on the Institute website.    This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in the information purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the information. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of the information we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained herein.  

In Irish news, the Department of Finance hosts the third meeting of the Business Tax Stakeholder Forum and the ROS pay & file extension date for 2023 income tax returns is announced. In UK news, read our update on Making Tax Digital for income tax and the Spring Finance Bill is progressing through Parliament. In International news, the European Commission commits funding to the OECD’s carbon mitigation program. Ireland Read our update of the third meeting of the Business Tax Stakeholder Forum hosted by the Department of Finance. Revenue announces the ROS pay & file extension date for 2023 income tax returns. UK Read our update on Making Tax Digital for income tax. The Spring Finance Bill is progressing through Parliament. International The European Commission commits funding to the OECD’s carbon mitigation program. 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 EU exit corner here.

As part of the public consultation on proposed amendments to its fraud standard (ISA 240) the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has published a new four-part video series. The series will help stakeholders understand the proposed changes that strengthen auditor’s responsibilities related to fraud, and the rationale behind them. The proposed changes to ISA 240, published in February 2024,  significantly strengthen auditors’ responsibilities relating to fraud and the IAASB askes stakeholders to respond by June 5, 2024.

Chartered Accountants Ireland have responded to the consultation by IAASA on the adoption of a sustainability assurance standard in Ireland.    We believe that ISAE 3000 should be adopted for use for sustainability assurance reporting in Ireland as soon as is practical and that it remains in place until an EU standard is adopted. The first wave of reports will be required in early 2025 therefore it is imperative that a decision is taken quickly. We responded to the IAASB consultation on the proposed new standard ISSA 5000 in December 2023.  We are supportive of the development of this new assurance standard but the timeline for the finalisation and adoption of this standard in the EU means that an interim solution is needed for reporting.  

The Department of Finance held the third meeting of the Business Tax Stakeholder Forum at Government Buildings on Merrion Street last Friday morning. The meeting was chaired by Clare Costello (Acting Head of Tax for the Department of Finance). A delegation from the Institute, under the auspices of the CCAB-I, attended the meeting. Representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce, the Law Society, Enterprise Ireland, IBEC, and the Irish Tax Institute were also in attendance, as well as representatives from Revenue and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. The agenda for these meetings is driven by the Department of Finance and the meetings are an opportunity to update stakeholders on the latest in tax policy on both the domestic and international fronts. Stakeholders in turn provide feedback to the Department of Finance on the matters raised. On the domestic front, the main topics of discussion were the first Participation Exemption Feedback Statement and the Strawman proposal, the review of interest deductibility (expected in Q3 this year), and the recent public consultation on share-based remuneration. The group was also informed that a report on the Funds Sector 2030 review and public consultation is expected by mid-summer. On the review of interest deductibility, the Department advised that this will be multi-year project. On the international front, the main areas discussed were the recent progress on Amounts A and B of Pillar One, the incoming OECD administrative guidance on Pillar Two, the UN Tax Cooperation initiative, and the latest developments with Ireland’s tax treaty network. Revenue’s Eugene Creighton (Assistant Secretary for International Tax) and John Bradley (Principal Officer – Transfer Pricing) gave a presentation on Ireland’s Competent Authority Function for Dispute Resolution under the Mutual Agreement Procedures (MAPs) and Advanced Pricing Arrangements (APAs).

The European Commission has signed an agreement with the OECD to provide financial support to the OECD’s Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA). The IFCMA is a project which aims to optimise global emissions reduction efforts by better data and information sharing, evidence-based mutual learning, and inclusive multilateral discussions. The IFCMA was launched in February 2023 and has welcomed 58 members, including some from outside the OECD.

Revenue has announced the extended ROS filing and payment date for self-assessed income taxpayers and taxpayers liable to capital acquisitions tax (CAT). The due date for filing the 2023 Form 11 and the payment of taxes is Thursday 14 November 2024. This is also the due date for CAT returns and payments for beneficiaries receiving gifts/inheritances with valuation dates in the year ending 31 August 2024.  The extension is available to taxpayers who pay and file through ROS only. Where either one of these actions is completed other than through ROS, the deadline for submission and payment is Thursday 31 October 2024. 

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual on the importation of motor vehicles from the UK to reflect the extension, by the UK, of the VAT second-hand car margin scheme deadline to 30 April 2024. The updated manual outlines the registration requirements (section 10.1 and 10.2) and customs obligations (appendices 1.2 and 1.3) applicable to vehicles imported into the State from Great Britain via Northern Ireland and directly from Northern Ireland. 

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual regarding the Return Preparation Facility (RPF). The RPF can be used to prepare and save certain tax forms before filing via ROS. It is Revenue’s intention that the RPF will, in time, replace the ROS Offline application for the majority of forms.   The updated guidance advises that, when ROS is unavailable during upgrades, the RPF is available and can be accessed from the “ROS site down” message. It also includes information on two additional forms now available in the RPF, being the Capital Acquisitions Tax Form IT38 and the Excise Licence ROM1 Form. 

Readers are reminded  that there are just over two weeks left to the 1 May deadline for those within the Debt Warehouse Scheme (DWS) to either pay their warehoused debt or engage with Revenue on addressing the debt. Where the debt exceeds €500, taxpayers can enter into a phased payment arrangement (PPA). Revenue will require taxpayers to complete the Form ePPA1 when making a PPA application. 

Revenue has updated the Tax and Duty Manual regarding tax clearance for Standards in Public Office applicants.  The updated guidance reflects a legislative change to judicial appointments which now requires statutory declarations to be furnished to the Judicial Appointments Board not more than three months before a recommendation.