Published by Revenue – September 2016
Taxation of Paternity Benefit
Statutory paternity leave of 2 weeks together with a new Paternity Benefit has been introduced in respect of births and adoptions on or after 1 September 2016.
Paternity Benefit (including any increases for adults and child dependants), payable by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) is liable to tax. USC and PRSI will not apply.
As part of the on-going exchange of information arrangements between the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and Revenue, Revenue will receive details of the benefit payments which will be updated onto Revenue’s records.
Individuals who pay their tax through the PAYE system will, where possible, automatically have their annual tax credits and rate bands reduced by the amount of the Paternity Benefit payment. Employers/pension providers will be advised of the adjusted tax credits and cut-off points on employer tax credit certificates (P2Cs).
All queries relating to the payments should be directed to the DSP.
