• Weekly PRSI allowance removed
• Minimum self-employed PRSI contribution increased
• Standard rate USC on earnings over €60k for over 70s and medical card holders
• Tax relief on charitable donations simplified
• Film tax relief extended to 2020 with significant changes from 2016
• DIRT (Deposit Interest tax) rates increased
• Maternity benefit taxable from 1 July 2013

 Pensions

• No changes in 2013
• Pre-retirement access to AVCs to be allowed and taxed at marginal rate
• Provisions for maximum allowable pension funding of €60k p.a. to be introduced from 2014

 Business Tax

• No change to 12.5% corporation tax rate
• R&D tax credit regime enhanced
• 3 year relief for start-up companies extended
• Extension of the foreign earnings deduction (to African countries)
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) introduced
• Employer’s redundancy rebate abolished

 VAT

• Cash accounting threshold increased to €1.25m

 Capital Gains Tax

• Rate increase to 33%

 Capital Acquisitions Tax

• Rate increase to 33%
• Tax-free thresholds reduced by 10%

 Property Tax

• Local property tax introduced (0.18% x property values up to €1million)
• Household charge and NPPR charge to cease

 Other Taxes