Kim Doyle, Tax Director with Grant Thornton is joined by Sasha Kerins, Tax Partner with Grant Thornton. Kim discusses the latest in tax, including the Covid-19 support schemes. Sasha shares her insight into the changes to business practices and operating process in today’s world which has brought about new ways of working and living and also new tax considerations. 

Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)

Stage two of the reconciliation process for the TWSS began last month with the issuing of reconciliation statements by Revenue to employers.  This is the final phase of the TWSS programme. Employers have until the 30 June 2021 to take certain action.

Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme

The EWSS remains to be a significant support to employers; a quarter of all employers made a claim in January.  According to the Minister for Finance, the main three sectors benefitting from the scheme are Wholesale and Retail Trade, Accommodation/Food Services and Construction.

As part of his comments on the EWSS, the Minister said that consideration is being given to the fact that continued support could be necessary out to the end of 2021.  We have no decision from the Government yet on the future of the scheme beyond June 2021.

Surcharge for late filing of Form CT1 and iXBRL financial statements

The application of the late filing surcharge for CT1 returns due by 23 March 2020 up to 23 June 2021 and iXBRL financial statements also due within this period, was suspended by Revenue.  This suspension is due to end on 30 June.  From 1 July 2021 Form CT1s and iXBRL financial statements outstanding will incur a late filing surcharge.  There may also be a restriction on loss relief due to the late filing of the return. 

Negative Interest Rates

Financial institutions in Ireland are now charging negative interest rate on certain deposit and savings accounts.   This has led to a renewed focus on the tax treatment of negative interest rates for both corporate and personal taxpayers.  There are also questions on the correct tax treatment for the financial institutions themselves particularly when we consider their Capital Adequacy Requirements.  In addition to the tax treatment there are also transfer pricing considerations.  

Remote working

Covid-19 has had a big impact on the way and how we work.  Where possible employees are working from home.  The Government’s Rural Future Strategy launched last month includes plans for a network of remote working hubs and new tax reliefs for employees and employers which support homeworking. 

Currently, e-Working tax relief is available to employees working from home who may have incurred increased home expenses such as electricity, heat and broadband. 

Tax considerations in today’s new world

Sasha discusses:

  • The impact of Covid-19 on us all has been the most dominate catalyst of change over the last 12 months. It has changed the way we work and presented a number of new tax issues. There are also transfer pricing considerations.
  • The EU Mandatory Disclosure reporting rules (DAC 6) came into effect in July 2020. What is the purpose of these new disclosure rules and what has been an impact on businesses?
  • Under the EUs Anti-Tax Avoidance Package of measures, the EUs Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive, also known as ATAD provides for 5 specific anti-avoidance measures which had to be transposed into Irish law. Ireland has implemented some of these measures and the remaining measures will be introduced in the coming months.
  • The EU recently adopted new rules which revise its Directive on administration cooperation in the field of taxation which will create a reporting obligation for digital platforms. There is also a fresh impetus for the EU to push ahead with its own proposals for a digital levy, if the prospect of a global solution at the OECD is not forthcoming.  What will this mean for businesses?
  • The Minister for Finance published an update to Ireland’s Corporation Tax Roadmap earlier this year. Sasha highlights the significant actions expected to be taken by Ireland.

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