Now that the details of Budget 2026 have been revealed, you may have questions about how the measures within it will impact your finances.
From allowances, through to childcare, social welfare and housing, there’s a lot to consider.
If you have a specific query, please submit it using the form below.
On Wednesday morning, our experts will be on hand to provide live answers: Dominic Coyle, Deputy Business Editor at The Irish Times; Beryl Power, tax director at PwC Private Clients; and Jacinta Lynch, tax senior manager at PwC Private Clients.
Loading…
Q: Is the Back to Education Allowance also due the €10 raise as well the Christmas bonus? (My son has just returned to college after a few years on Jobseeker’s Allowance). Thank you.
From Michelle Keary
A: While the Back to Education allowance did not feature in the ministerial speeches, my understanding is that the rate it is paid at is determined by the payment you were on before moving to Back to Education.
In your son’s case, this was Jobseeker’s Allowance and, as that will go up by €10 from January, I expect your son’s payment will also rise at that point. – DC
Q: Will those currently in receipt of the Basic Artist Income continue to receive it after expiration of the pilot scheme now that payment is made permanent?
From Denise Ryan
A: We’re waiting for full details of this new permanent scheme. As I understand it, the pilot scheme ends in February.
It would be surprising if the permanent scheme was up and running that quickly – the talk seems to be of a September application date – so the question is whether existing beneficiaries will continue to receive payment and also whether they will be automatically transitioned to the new permanent scheme or will have to apply again.
Hopefully, there will be some clarity emerging from the Minister for Culture Patrick O’Donovan. – DC
Q: Any increase in home retrofit grants?
From Aisling
A: No mention was made of improved grants for people undertaking home energy retrofitting projects.
There was an extension of income tax relief for landlords on retrofitting expenses and an additional €140 million put in place to fund the retrofitting of social housing, but that was it. – DC
Q: The Entrepreneurial Relief threshold is being increased to €1.5 million. Does that mean a company owner retiring from the business can take that amount tax free before paying tax (capital gains tax?) on the remainder?
From John Wallace
A: The Minister announced that the lifetime limit for which revised Entrepreneur Relief can be claimed will increase from €1 million to €1.5 million from January 1st.
The relief provides a reduced capital gains tax rate of 10 per cent to lifetime gains up to €1.5 million arising from the disposal of qualifying business assets. This provides an additional tax saving of €115,000. – JL
Q: Is there any increase to stamp duty?
From Aodhbaird
A: There were no increases to stamp duty rates announced in the budget. A new exemption has been introduced which will apply to purchases of listed shares in Irish companies with market capitalisations of less than €1 billion.
We have to wait for the F
Continue Reading on The Irish Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.