This blog was last updated on June 9, 2023

IPT in Ireland reflects the dynamic shifts in the global tax landscape. With an increasing number of tax jurisdictions adopting electronic filings, Ireland has joined this progressive movement. The Irish tax authority has announced changes to how Stamp Duty, Life Levy, Government Levy and the Compensation Fund are declared and paid from the Quarter 1 2022 submission period (i.e. 25 April 2022).

What is changing for Ireland’s Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) requirements?

From Q1 2022, businesses will be required to file all returns via the Irish online portal and pay taxes due via direct debit.

The Irish Revenue issued notification of the filing requirement changes in December 2021. The Irish Revenue has an online service with a digital pay and file facility for Stamp Duty on insurance levies which will be available via Revenue Online Services (ROS).

What happens next?

Registered insurers will have an individual ROS account. By the end of February 2022, insurers will be issued new ID numbers (TRN numbers), and the 4-digit file reference number will be discontinued. Insurers will need a TRN number to register for a ROS account to file declarations online via ROS. Payments made online are required to be via direct debit instruction.

Although many authorities still rely on paper returns, online filing and payment systems are becoming more common place.  In Europe alone, Spain, Finland, Portugal, Hungary, Italy and the UK are just a few who have adopted digital tax approaches.

More tax authorities are now adapting to online submissions to fill the gap for further transparency and accuracy in collecting taxes, causing increased challenges for insurers when ensuring premium tax compliance.

This change in Ireland is just another example in the list of tax authorities requesting additional information on a more frequent basis to increase efficiency, minimise tax gaps and boost revenue. We don’t see this trend disappearing and recommend that insurers stay abreast of the latest regulations to be prepared for more countries who will undoubtedly follow this approach. Insurers need to be aware of compliance responsibilities by keeping pace with this heightened degree of complexity, scrutiny and change. This will result in system and process changes and any digitisation will inevitably impact IT systems and budgets.