A budget proposal on the exception of Stamp Duty for those undertaking long-term leases, announced by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan last autumn, remains unapproved by the EU Commission.

The relief of Stamp Duty on long-term leases was included in the Finance Act 2014, subject to a commencement order.

It was one of a number of recommendations in the Agri-taxation Review designed to increase the mobility and the productive use of land.

The relief is not currently in force as it cannot be introduced until it is granted State Aid approval by the European Commission.

Responding to questioning on the issue recently the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said the Department held initial discussions with the Commission in this regard but they indicated that the measure, as presented, was not State Aid compatible.

He said the Department is currently engaged with the Commission with a view to determining whether there is a basis for its introduction under State Aid rules.

Under the original proposal, agricultural leases between five and 35 years in duration to active farmers would be exempt from Stamp Duty.

Budget 2015 incorporated 12 new agri-taxation measures designed to encourage more productive use of agricultural land and where based on the report of the Agri-Taxation Review Group.

To increase access to land, and the more productive use of land, Budget 2015 includes a comprehensive package of five new measures related to long-term leasing:

  • Increase the income thresholds for relief from leasing income by 50%.
  • Introduce a fourth threshold for lease periods of 15 or more years.
  • Remove the lower age threshold of 40 years of age for eligibility.
  • Allow non-connected limited companies as an eligible lessee.
  • Relieve stamp duty on long-term leases (five years or more) for agricultural land.

There has been increased interest in long-term leasing in recent times with the practice among a host of criteria required for eligibility for key schemes under the latest CAP reform.