Budget 2015 – Main Points:

• 1% reduction in top income tax rate to 40%.
• Standard rate income tax band increases by €1,000.
• USC entry threshold increases to €12,000.
• 2% USC rate falls to 1.5%, 4% rate falls to 3.5%.
• New 8% USC rate for incomes over €70,000.
• 11% USC rate for self employed income over €100,000.
• Tax relief on pension contributions remains at the marginal rate.
• Pension levy of 0.15% in 2015, ceasing thereafter.
• DIRT refund scheme for first time buyers savings.
• DIRT remains at 41%.
• 9% VAT rate on the hospitality sector maintained.
• Child benefit increases by €5 per month from 2015.
• €2.2 billion investment in social housing over 3 years.
• Tax relief of 20% on water charges, to a maximum of €500 per annum.
• Home renovation incentive extended to rental properties.
• CGT exemption on property purchase scheme ceases on 31 Dec 2014.
• A range of tax measures to support farmers announced.
• Civil service recruitment embargo to be lifted in 2015.
• Price of 20 cigarettes rises by €0.40 from midnight.
• Corporation tax once again reaffirmed at 12.5%.