May 1st is a SEPA non-processing day

By Michael O'Hare | 8 th April 2015

Ireland has its May Public Holiday on Monday May 4th. Friday May 1st however is a public holiday in many European countries. As a result, May 1st is a non-processing day in the Single European Payments Area (SEPA). This means that payments scheduled for May 1st will not be debited or credited until the next...

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Good Friday is not a Public Holiday

By Michael O'Hare | 3 rd April 2015

While banks and many businesses close on Good Friday, employers should note that Good Friday is not a designated Public Holiday under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. Therefore, additional pay or premium payments are not payable to employees working on Good Friday. Leave taken on Good Friday should be treated as part of...

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Tax Relief on Medical Insurance

By Michael O'Hare | 24 th March 2015

Medical Insurance is very much in the news at the moment with loadings being introduced after April 30th 2015 for people aged over 34 taking out inpatient private health insurance for the first time. As many people will be looking at their options in advance of April 30th, it is important to understand the tax...

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Why Outsourcing Payroll Processing really works

By Michael O'Hare | 23 rd February 2015

Many business owners and managers are somewhat fearful of outsourcing the payroll processing function for their organisations. However, those that have taken the "leap of faith" have been pleasantly surprised with the results. (more…)

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Get Fit with Cycle to Work Scheme

By Michael O'Hare | 15 th December 2014

The Cycle to Work Scheme was introduced in 2009 to encourage more employees to cycle to and from work, thereby helping to lower carbon emissions, reducing traffic congestion and improving health and fitness levels. Under the scheme an employer may provide an employee or director with a bicycle and/or cycle safety equipment to a maximum...

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Bus and Rail Passes – Rewarding Employees & Directors Efficiently

By Michael O'Hare | 11 th November 2014

Under the Taxsaver scheme (www.taxsaver.ie) employers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase tax free monthly or annual bus and rail tickets for employees and directors. (more…)

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Universal Social Charge – Watch the Earnings Exemption Threshold

By Michael O'Hare | 28 th October 2014

At present, earnings under €10,036 in a tax year are exempt from Universal Social Charge (USC). This threshold will rise to €12,012 in Tax Year 2015. Many part-time employees earning less than €10,036 are charged USC and have to claim a refund at the end of the tax year. (more…)

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Double Employment

By Michael O'Hare | 9 th October 2014

Section 33 subsection 1 of the Organisation of Working Time 1997 states the following: "An employer shall not employ an employee to do any work in a relevant period during which the employee has done work for another employer, except where the aggregate of the periods for which such an employee does work for each...

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