As outlined in last years, Finance Act, the National Training Fund Levy will increase by 0.1% per annum over the next two years, bringing the Levy from 0.7% to 1% by 2020. The additional revenues raised will be used to fund the higher and further education sectors. The 0.1% increase in the Levy in 2019 will result in higher Employer PRSI rates applying to earnings of employees in Class A and Class H employments.
A tax on sugar-sweetened drinks was introduced from 1 April 2018. The definition of a sugar sweetened drink has been amended to ensure that certain categories of beverages that do not meet a minimum calcium content are brought within the remit of the tax.
An increase of 1% on the VRT rate applying to diesel passenger cars and light commercials vehicles was introduced and is effective from 1st January 2019.
The VRT relief available for Hybrid vehicles is extended to 31st December 2019.
Increase in the duty on tobacco products including a 50c increase in the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes with a pro-rata increase on other tobacco products.
