What are the tax free payments that you can make to employees in Ireland?

1. Travel Passes and Allowances: Employees can receive tax-free travel passes or travel allowances to cover the cost of commuting to work. This includes expenses for public transport, such as bus or train passes.
2. Bicycle and Cycling Equipment: Employers can provide employees with tax-free bicycles and cycling equipment for commuting to work. This benefit is subject to certain conditions and limits.
3. Relocation Expenses: Reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by an employee when relocating for work purposes can be provided tax-free. This includes expenses like moving costs and temporary accommodation.
4. Mobile Phones: Employers can provide employees with a mobile phone for work-related purposes, and the phone usage charges can be paid tax-free.
5. Subsistence Allowances: Subsistence allowances, such as meal allowances or overnight allowances for work-related travel, can be paid tax-free under certain conditions and limits.
6. Education and Training: Employers can offer tax-free education and training to employees for work-related courses or programs. This includes educational assistance, such as tuition fees and course materials.
7. Small Benefits Exemption: Employers can provide employees with non-cash benefits up to a certain value (typically €500) per year under the Small Benefits Exemption. This can include gift vouchers, hampers, or other non-cash items.
8. Workplace Parking: If an employer provides employees with workplace parking, it is generally not subject to taxation.
9. Pension Contributions: Employer contributions to approved pension schemes on behalf of employees are tax-free. Additionally, employees receive tax relief on their own pension contributions within certain limits.
10. Revenue-Approved Share Schemes: Certain share schemes, when approved by the Revenue Commissioners, can provide employees with shares or share options tax-free or at a reduced tax rate.
11. Employer Contributions to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Contributions by employers to EAPs, which offer counseling and support services to employees, are generally tax-free.

It’s important to note that the tax treatment of these benefits may be subject to specific conditions and limits, and these conditions can change over time. Employers should consult with tax advisors or the Revenue Commissioners for the most up-to-date information on tax-free benefits and payments for employees. Additionally, employers should keep accurate records and ensure compliance with tax laws when providing these benefits to their employees.

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