Yesterday, Revenue eBrief No. 59/18 was published. This comprehensive nine-page document outlines the tax treatment for income arising from the provision of short-term accommodation:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-04/04-01-20.pdf

A short-term letting is defined as a letting of all or part of a house, apartment or other similar establishments:

– As a tourist, holidaymaker or other visitor
– For a period which does not exceed or is unlikely to exceed 8 consecutive weeks

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As you are aware, Finance Act 2017 increased the rate of stamp duty on the transfer of non-residential property from 2% to 6% with effect from midnight on Budget Day.

The change applied to instruments executed on or after 11th October 2017.

This dramatic increase will, most likely, reduce the number of commercial property transactions carried out in Ireland in 2018. Read More

It’s very difficult to keep up to date with all the amendments to the Irish tax system so here is a summary of some of the changes to be mindful of in 2018:

1. Annual Membership Fees paid to a professional body (Revenue eBrief 04/18 published on 9th January 2018)

https://www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/ebrief/2018/no-0042018.aspx

The updated Revenue guidance notes allow an employee to claim a deduction for professional membership fees only in circumstances where: Read More

A stamp duty refund scheme in respect of land purchased to develop residential property was signed into the 2017 Finance Act on 25th December 2017.

The Act provides that where stamp duty, at the new higher rate of 6%. is paid on the acquisition of land which is subsequently used to build residential property, the purchaser will be entitled to a rebate of 4% being 2/3rds of the duty paid.

It is important to keep in mind that the refund of stamp duty is only applicable in relation to the proportion of the land used for residential development. Read More

Claire McNamara, Tax Advisor

The Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe T.D delivered his first Budget on 10th October 2017 which concentrated more on expenditure than on tax changes. The Minister announced a number of positive measures to assist small and medium sized enterprises prepare for “Brexit” as well as confirming Ireland’s commitment to the 12½% corporation tax rate. We are pleased to bring you our summary of the tax measures set out in Budget 2018.

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There are a number of alternatives open to individuals wishing to invest in Spain.  These include setting up a limited company or forming a branch / permanent establishment.

Due to the number of foreign clients with trading companies in Spain, we have prepared a general summary of the taxes arising.

This is not a full and comprehensive guide to Spanish taxes and does not provide detail on the local operation of taxes.  As a result, we would always advise anyone with Spanish interests to seek the advice and expertise of a local tax professional.

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If you’re a provider of digital services to customers in Japan, please be aware that the changes being introduced on 1st October 2015 may affect you.

Old Rules

Under the Consumption Tax Act (Act No. 108 of 1988), a service rendered in Japan is subject to Consumption Tax which is equivalent to VAT (i.e. Value Added Tax).

The criteria for determining whether a service is rendered inside or outside Japan varies depending on the nature of the service.

Under the current rules (i.e. pre October 2015), the tax treatment relating to the provision of e-commerce services, such as e-books, online games, internet delivery of music, etc. is Read More

A number of Revenue Guidance Documents have been introduced following Finance Act 2014 being signed into law on 23rd December 2014.

6. Capital Gains Tax – Finance Act 2014 – Vodafone Shareholders – eBrief no. 107/14 (24th December 2014).

On 14th May 2014 the Irish Revenue Authorities issued a detailed Tax Briefing outlining the tax treatment of the Vodafone Return of Value to its Shareholders. I wrote an Explanatory Blog, which was published on this site on 16th May 2014, outlining the comprehensive guidance on the calculation of the base cost for Capital Gains Tax purposes. In my Blog, I discussed the Income Tax Treatment for shareholders who opted for “C Shares”: Read More

A number of Revenue Guidance Documents have been introduced following Finance Act 2014 being signed into law on 23rd December 2014.

5. Relevant Contracts Tax – Revised Penalties from 1st January 2015 for the failure of a Principal Contractor to operate R.C.T. correctly on relevant payments to a contractor – eBrief no. 110/14 (24th December 2014)

Before we examine this guidance document, I will briefly explain the Relevant Contracts Tax system in Ireland.

What is Relevant Contracts Tax (R.C.T.)?

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A number of Revenue Guidance Documents have been introduced following Finance Act 2014 being signed into law on 23rd December 2014.

4. Guide to the Capital Acquisitions Tax Treatment of receipts by children from their parents for their support, maintenance or education – eBrief no. 109/14 (24th December 2014).

As you are all aware, Capital Acquisitions Tax is the tax levied on gifts and inheritances received by individuals where the value of the gift/inheritance exceeds that individual’s lifetime tax free threshold amount.

Section 82(2) of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act exempts from tax “normal Read More

A number of Revenue Guidance Documents have been introduced following Finance Act 2014 being signed into law on 23rd December 2014.

3. Guidance on Compensation Payments under Section 2B of Employment Permits Act 2003 – eBrief no. 112/14 (24th December 2014)

The best starting point in relation to understanding the tax treatment of awards/settlements is Section 192(A) Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. It can be summarised as follows:

• If the award/settlement relates to a loss of wages/salary such as a Payment of Wages Read More