HomePage | Contact Us | About Us

Web worldwide-tax.com

Ireland  Income Taxes and Tax Laws

Tax in Ireland, last updated February 2007. Ireland taxation of an individual's income is progressive. In other words, the higher the income, the higher the rate of tax payable. In Ireland the tax rates for an individual in 2007 are 20% and 41%. There are reduced rates of tax for certain income earners. In Ireland the standard corporate tax rate in 2007 is currently fixed at 12.5%. For trading income. Corporate tax of 10% is applied to companies keeping cartain conditions in july 1998. The 10% tax rate will remain till 2010. Corporate tax of 25% is imposed on passive income. For additional info by Ireland Tax Office, see www.revenue.ie. Income Tax for an Individual An individual is liable for tax on his income as an employee and on income as a self-employed person. Tax will be payable on income earned in Ireland and overseas by an individual who meets the test of a "permanent resident" of Ireland. A foreign resident who is employed in Ireland pays tax only on income earned in Ireland. One of two tests must be passed to be considered an Irish resident: residency of more than 183 days a year in Ireland or residency of more than 280 days over a period of two years. It is important to point out that as regards taxable income from a salary; the employer is obligated to deduct the amount of tax payable on a monthly basis. A self-employed person must prepay income tax that will be offset on filing an annual return. The advance payment is determined on the basis of the return made for the previous year. In the event of a new business, the advance will be calculated on the basis of estimates made by the owner of the business. Certain payments are deductible from taxable income as detailed below. Ireland individual income tax rates 2007 (single) Tax base (EUR) Tax (%) 0 - 34,000 20% 34,001 and over 41% on base exceeding 34,000    Ireland Capital Gains The rate of tax payable on capital gains in 2007 is 20% for individuals A capital loss may be offset against a capital gain in the current year, or against a capital gain in the coming years. There are exemptions from capital gains in the following cases, among others, subject to certain conditions:        The first EUR 1,270 of the capital gain.        Gains from lotteries and betting.        The sale of a main residential asset. REPORTING DATES AND PAYMENT The tax year in Ireland for individuals ends on December 31. Advance payments of income tax are based on the "self assessment" method. An Individual - An individual whose income is only from a wage pays his income tax to the tax authorities on a monthly basis. A self-employed individual is obligated to pay 90% of the tax forecast for the year by November 1, or an amount that is identical to the tax he paid in the previous year. Annual returns must be filed by January 30. Fines are imposed for arrears in filing an annual return at the rate of 5% of the tax on returns submitted by March 31. The fine is 10% in the case of returns submitted after March 31. A Limited Company - Advance payments on tax is similar to that of an individual. It should be pointed out that the fine for filing a late report is 5%. DEDUCTION OF TAX AT SOURCE Taxation of Employee The employer is obligated to deduct tax at source from an employee and to make additional contributions to social security, known as PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance). Employer's Contribution   Employee's Contribution   Annual Income (EUR) % Annual Income (EUR) % No limit 10.75 Up to 48,800 4.0     Over 48,800 2.0 Other deductions Dividend 20 Royalties 20 Interest 20 Comments: Deduction at source in the case of a dividend, royalties and interest for foreign residents is subject to the Double Taxation Prevention Treaty. There is no obligation to deduct tax at source from interest paid on a foreign resident's bank account.

© All copyrights reserved