Finance Act 2010 introduced significant changes to CAT and probate requirements. Among the main changes was a new fixed pay and file deadline of 31 October for all gifts and inheritances with a valuation date in the 12 month period ending on the previous 31 August. That means that where the valuation date occurred before 31 August 2010, the pay & file deadline will be 31 October 2010.

It is important to note that the period between the valuation date and the pay and file date may be less than the previous 4 month window i.e. if the valuation date occurred in August there will only be two month window to pay and file. Where the valuation date arises after 31 August 2010 and before 31 December, the Pay & File deadline will be 31 October 2011.

The Revenue Online Service (ROS) extension will apply, as for Income Tax, to those who pay and file online. The extended ROS deadline for returns due in 2010 is Tuesday 16 November 2010. In certain cases, for example where reliefs/exemptions/credits etc. are claimed, the return must be filed electronically through ROS.

Further details are available on the Revenue website at http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/cat/leaflets/it39.html