High-level points:

• Minister Chambers noted that the Irish economy is in good shape, with unemployment projected to remain at c. 4.5% and inflation now down at c. 2%. Minister Donohoe has said the Irish economy is forecast to grow by 3.3% in 2025 and by 2.3% next year in 2026.

• The overall package will be €9.25 billion, with €1.485 billion in taxation measures.

• Minister Chambers noted that tax revenue is expected to reach €106 billion this year.

• The minimum wage will increase by 65c to €14.15 per hour.

• The budget for health will be €27.3 billion, an increase of €1.5 billion on 2025.

  Personal Finance:

• The Entrepreneur relief of 10% has been increased from €1million to €1.5million.

• Exit tax on funds for personal investors is being decreased from 41% to 38%. 1% stamp duty on shares will be removed for investing in trading in shares with a market capitalisation of less than €1 billion.

• For Income Tax, the Standard Rate cut-off point remains the same at €44,000 p.a. The main tax credits remain the same also. The USC 2% band has been increased to €28,700.

• The State Pension and welfare payments will be increased by €10 per week. The full Contributory State Pension will increase to €299.30 per week from January 2026.

• Inheritance Tax thresholds remain the same as 2025, with Group A (Parent to Child) at €400,000 , Group B at €40,000 and Group C remaining at €20,000.

• In terms of Pensions, no change was announced to the Standard Fund Threshold, which will increase by €200k to €2.2m 2026. This will increase in €200k increments each year through to 2029 until it reaches €2.8m.

• There was no mention of any changes to tax relief available for making pension contributions, both in terms of personal tax relief and the funding opportunity of Employer contributions to PRSAs.

  SMEs:

• The Small Benefit exemption (for remunerating employees with vouchers) will increase from €1,000 to €1,500.

• The VAT rate on hospitality will be reduced from 13.5% to 9% from July 2026.

• The VAT registration limits remain at €42,500 (services) and €85,000 (goods).

• BIK regime for company cars extended on a tapered basis - worth €10,000 next year, €5,000 in 2027, and €2,500 in 2028. It will be abolished in 2029.

• The R&D credit rate will rise from 30 per cent to 35 per cent.

  Property & Land:

• VAT on the sale of new apartments will be reduced from 13.5% to 9%.

• The help-to-buy scheme for first-time buyers is set to be continued and the €1,000 renters’ tax credit is expected to be extended at the same level in 2026.

• There was no changes announced to stamp duty on property.

• Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) has been extended. The Help to Buy Scheme is also extended.

• The annual Rental Tax Credit is being maintained at €1,000 per person for 3 years.

• Mortgage interest tax relief will also be extended for two years, but reduced for the final year. People will be able to claim the existing level of €1,250 for 2025, but €625 for 2026.

Please note that the above points are summary only and should not be fully relied upon.