Not really a bitch ('cause I'm not too bothered) but we had a budget yesterday and here are some of the changes if anyone's curious:
Everyone, no matter how much they earn, will now be charged an 'income tax levy' of 1%. If you earn over €100,000 a year, you will be charged 2% on the balance of your income over €100,000.
If you are a first time home buyer, you will get tax relief of 25%, instead of 20%. The relief for non first time buyers is being reduced, however.
Motor tax rates are being increased by between 4% and 5%.
18-year-olds will no longer be entitled to the Child Benefit from January 2010. From January 2009 their payment will be halved, to €83 a month.
Early Childcare Supplement will now cease at five-and-a-half years of age.
Over 70s will no longer automatically be entitled to a medical card if they are above the eligibility criteria. The Minister said an annual cash grant of €400 would be paid to those over 70 who do not qualify for a medical card or a GP visit card, subject to an income threshold.
Old age pensions are up by €7 a week, while other benefits rise by smaller levels.
The tax on a litre of petrol has been raised eight cent - a significant increase, though the cost of oil has been dropping.
If you drink beer or cider, the tax won't change, but the standard wine bottle will now cost 50 cent more.
The Minister is planning to lower tax on low alcohol beer and cider to encourage people to drink less.
If you are a smoker, plan to pay 50 cent more for a 20-pack of cigarettes. (Brings a 20-pack to €8 =10.70 in dollars or 6.20 in pounds)
For anyone flying out of an Irish airport, expect to pay a €10 travel tax
