From 1 January 2017 an Irish resident non-executive director receives a payment from a company for travel and subsistence expenses incurred for the purposes of attending a company meeting in Ireland, these expenses can be reimbursed tax free. Normal civil servant subsistence and mileage rates apply.

The relief only applies where any emoluments received by the director from the company, other than reimbursement of expenses, does not exceed €5,000 in the year. This amendment is welcome as it moves to equalise the treatment of Irish resident non-executive directors with their foreign counterparts who since last years’ Finance Bill can receive expenses tax free.

The Bill along with a list of amendments can be found on the Oireachtas website. The Bill must pass through Seanad Report Stage and it is expected to be signed by 3 January 2017.