2015 Irish gift and inheritance. Capital Acquisition Tax (CAT) rate and tax free thresholds

The Irish gift and inheritance tax free amounts (thresholds) have been reduced and the tax rate has been increased in recent years.

Gift tax rate and inheritance tax rate

Since 6 December 2012 the Irish gift and inheritance tax (known as capital acquisition tax) lifetime tax free amounts/thresholds (calculated on an aggregated basis for each Group/category of persons) have been reduced and are currently:

• For a Group A - beneficiary child or minor child of a predeceased child and in certain circumstances widowed spouse/civil partner of a deceased child - tax free amount is currently €280,000 since Budget 2016 changed as at 14 October 2015 (previously €225,000);

• For a Group B - beneficiary siblings, other grandchildren and other specified descendants - tax free amount is €30,150;

• For a Group C beneficiary  all others - tax free amount is €15,075.

Previous taxable benefits in the same group must be taken into account when calculating the lifetime tax free amount/threshold.

Capital Acquisition Tax rate

The current capital acquisition tax trate is 33%.

The tax payable on a gift or inheritance is 33% of the taxable benefit.

Benefits to a spouse or civil partner are generally exempt from capital acquisition tax unless anti-avoidance rules apply.

If you would like to discuss making a will or would like additional information on the tax that arises if yor receive a gift or a legacy please contact us to set up an appointment.

Copyright © Jun 2015