On 11 September 2026, EY Ireland released a focused briefing identifying seven critical tax priorities for entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses ahead of Budget 2027. Authored by Tax Partner Frank O’Neill, the EY Private Sector Leader, the article addresses the unique challenges faced by scaling indigenous enterprises during Ireland’s EU Presidency year. The briefing highlights that current tax rules often penalize reinvestment, complicate succession planning, and create cash-flow friction for high-growth private companies. It calls for practical reforms to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) entrepreneur relief, Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) business relief, and the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) to ensure Ireland retains its position as a top destination for founder-led innovation and intergenerational wealth creation.
Key Takeaways
- CGT Entrepreneur Relief Modernization: The briefing urges raising the lifetime limit from €1 million to €10 million, extending eligibility to serial entrepreneurs, and removing the “material interest” test that currently excludes many founder-CEOs from relief on exit.
- CAT Business Relief Expansion: Recommendations include increasing the relief threshold, simplifying the “working requirement” for family members, and introducing a deferred payment mechanism for CAT liabilities on business transfers to prevent forced asset sales.
- KEEP Scheme Enhancement for Scaling Firms: The article proposes doubling the annual award limit to €200,000, allowing participation for non-executive directors, and introducing a “growth share” class to align employee incentives with scaling milestones without diluting founder control.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement