We provide a full range of taxation services for both personal and corporate clients. The International Association means that a full and expert service is available to the firm and it's clients on all major tax implications of trading or moving of assets within the trading world. Our firm is a member of the International Tax Planning Association and Transnational Taxation Network.

Tax laws change constantly, and those wishing to assess the current situation need to be aware of possible changes in the country or countries concerned, as well as potential alterations to the relevant double taxation treaties. This information is available from HLB offices world wide. No irrevocable action should be taken until formal professional advice is obtained.

HLB Nathans has a wide and varied portfolio of individual clients ranging from small to high net worth individuals. Our tax advisors/consultants work closely with our individual clients to ensure their Irish taxation burden is minimised and provide advice which is tailored to suit their particular goals. We provide specialist advice on Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Capital Acquisitions Tax as well as advice to company clients to benefit their employees.

Our services include the following:

• Tax compliance dealing efficiently and effectively with tax authorities- it is important to maintain strict taxation compliance as current legislation provides for the imposition of penalties for non compliance with the tax codes.
• Tax planning for non-Irish individuals relocating to Ireland
• Advice to individuals working overseas or coming to work in Ireland
• Tax planning for Irish individuals, company directors and shareholders
• Advice on set up and structure of business in Ireland
• Advice on tax efficient investment in property in Ireland
• Extraction of cash from a business in a tax effective manner
• Effective tax planning for passing on assets to family members - to minimise capital gains tax on disposal of assets and to reduce inheritance tax or gift tax bills which can often be quite sizeable.
• Retirement planning - we advise on retirement planning to ensure that taxation does not unfavourably affect your years of hard work. On reaching retirement age we will advise on the most tax efficient way of drawing down the benefits of your pension plan.
• Dealing with Revenue Audits.

• Standard rate of income tax 20%. The standard rate applies to income below €35,400 for a single person for 2008 and €44,400 for a married couple with one income. A married couple with two incomes can earn up to €70,800 and still be taxed at the standard rate.
• Age Exemption Limits. A single or widowed person aged 65 years and over is exempt from income tax if they are in receipt of income less than €20,000 in 2008 and a married person aged 65 years and over is exempt if they are in receipt of income less than €40,000.
• Maximum rate of income tax 41%. This rate is charged on the balance of income over the standard rate bands as detailed above.
• The health levy rate is 2% for earners whose income is between €500 per week (€26,000 per annum) and €1,925 per week (€100,100 per annum). The rate increases to 2.5% for earners whose income is in excess of €1,925 per week (€100,100 per annum)
• Tax relief is available as a deduction from total income for up to €150,000 invested either directly in a Business Expansion Scheme (BES) company or through one of the BES Designated Funds. BES relief can be claimed by a husband and wife if each has sufficient income. Relief is available at one’s marginal tax rate. Shares need to be held for five years to avoid a clawback of the relief granted. The taxpayer needs to make the subscription for shares before 31 December 2008 to ensure tax relief is available for 2008. The relief is subject to the restriction on tax reliefs for high earners*.
• Tax relief is also available for an investment of up to €31,750 in a qualifying film company. 80% of the investment may qualify for relief subject to the restriction on tax reliefs for high earners*. The scheme will be available to 31 December 2012.
• Maximum rate of capital gains tax 20%. Capital Gains Tax is payable when an individual sells or transfers an asset to somebody else.
• Maximum rate gift/inheritance tax 20%. Capital Acquisitions Tax is charged on property and assets passing by way of gift or inheritance.
• Non Irish citizens can be tax resident in Ireland and avoid all of the above taxes.
• No property or wealth taxes in Ireland.
• Individuals can make investments in new business, investment property, and films and get tax relief on their investments subject to a restriction on tax reliefs for high earners*.
• Attractive remuneration packages can be put in place for employees that act as a tax efficient incentive for staff to promote greater productivity. These include profit share schemes, discounted shares, educational packages, and the provision of assets at favourable rates.
• Employees moving to or leaving Ireland can benefit from special rules, which reduce their tax exposure.
• Ireland benefits from 44 Double Taxation Agreements, these agreements generally cover income tax, capital gains tax and corporation tax. Artists, horse breeders and investors can trade tax free in Ireland.  The exemption from tax of stallion and greyhound fees will end as of 31 July 2008.                
   

*A limit on the use of tax reliefs by certain high income individuals will apply from the tax year 2007 onwards. The restriction will only apply to those individuals with income and tax reliefs in excess of €250,000 per annum.