Some of it is a bit silly (tax relief for gym membership) but I was surprised at how pro-taxpayer a lot of it was
- Increase the entry point to the higher rate of income tax to at least €50,000.
- Continue progressive reductions in USC by building on the last two budgets, cutting the lower rate from 3% to 1.5% at a minimum over the lifetime of the Government.
- Abolish the USC surcharge of 3% on non-PAYE income of more than €100,000 a year to support the self-employed in our economy.
- Increase income tax credits annually by at least €100 to reduce the income tax burden on workers, particularly focused on low- and middle-income workers.
- Examine reducing Capital Gains Tax to encourage innovation and productivity and attract foreign investors into Irish indigenous business.
- Annually increase specific and targeted personal tax credits as advanced in Budget 2025 to support families, carers, blind people, dependent relatives, and those with additional needs.
- Widen eligibility for tax credits to provide additional supports to those with caring responsibilities and citizens with additional needs and their families. Examine the possibility of introducing a deaf tax credit for congenital hearing loss.
- Increase and adjust the inheritance tax Category A, B, and C thresholds in each budget to reflect the wider increase in property prices in the Irish economy in recent years.
- Review the inheritance tax thresholds applicable when the deceased does not have children.
- Adjust the means test for entitlements for those with a disability if inheritance is received to ensure we protect baseline social protection and medical supports.
- Introduce a tax credit on gym membership and explore other options to encourage active participation in sport and exercise.