Important measures for international investors in Ireland and investment managers with Irish investment funds and SPVs
On Wednesday 5 December 2012, the Irish Minister for Finance presented Budget 2013, the Irish government's fiscal programme of measures for the coming year, against an improving but still challenging economic backdrop.
This update summarises the relevant budget measures for international investors in Ireland, domestic companies and banks and multinational corporations with operations in Ireland and investment managers and arrangers with Irish investment funds and capital markets SPVs.
Local Property Tax
Delivering on its long-standing commitment, the government has introduced a residential property tax. Set at a rate of 0.18% on the market value of the home, the local property tax will come into effect from July 2013. A higher rate of 0.25% or so-called "mansion tax" will be charged on any portion of value of the property above €1 million.
The tax is payable on a self-assessment basis
by the owner (rather than the occupier) of the property. This
may be material for those international investors acquiring
portfolios of Irish residential property as it will represent an
additional cost of ownership. From 2015, local government
authorities will have the power to vary the rates by 15% above or
below the central national rates.
Commercial Property
Capital Gains Tax ("CGT") will increase from 30% to 33%, however, the capital gains tax relief announced in Budget 2012 means that, subject to satisfying certain conditions, property bought between now and the end of 2013 will be relieved from CGT if held for at least seven years for that period.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.