The Silent Budget Killer: Are You Missing Out on €1,500 Per Employee?

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The Silent Budget Killer Are You Missing Out on €1,500 Per Employee
The Silent Budget Killer Are You Missing Out on €1,500 Per Employee

A missed opportunity in many Irish businesses

Imagine finding an additional €1,500 available for every employee in your business but leaving it unused. That is the reality for many companies each year when they overlook the Revenue Small Benefit Exemption. In practice, it means handing money back to Revenue instead of rewarding staff. 

What is the Small Benefit Exemption?

The Small Benefit Exemption is a Revenue approved scheme that allows employers to reward staff with up to €1,500 annually, completely free from Income Tax, USC, or PRSI. The only condition is that the reward must be given as a non-cash benefit, such as a prepaid gift card. 

In short, it is one of the most efficient ways to provide value to employees while reducing payroll costs. 

Employers can: 

  • Provide up to €1,500 in rewards per employee each year 
  • Issue up to five separate awards per employee annually, provided the combined total does not exceed €1,500 
  • Deliver these rewards completely free from Income Tax, PRSI, and USC 

Why many companies miss out

Despite its simplicity, the scheme is often underused. Some businesses leave it too late in the year, some are unaware it applies only to non-cash benefits, and others believe it involves complicated administration. 

In reality, it is straightforward, particularly with the right partner. 

How Swirl simplifies the process

The Swirl Prepaid Mastercard Gift Card are fully compliant with the Small Benefit Exemption and designed to integrate seamlessly into the scheme. Ordering takes just minutes online, with no complicated setup required. Cards can be delivered in bulk to your office or sent directly to employees, ensuring everyone receives their reward before the year-end deadline. 

With Swirl, the process is quick, compliant, and hassle free. 

The Financial Impact

The savings are substantial. For example, a business with 50 employees could deliver €75,000 in tax-free rewards directly to staff, instead of losing a large portion of that value to payroll deductions. 

Not sure what your business could save? Our Small Benefit Exemption Calculator shows you exactly how much you may be leaving behind. 

Act before the deadlines

The exemption resets every tax year. If your organisation has not yet availed of it, now is the time to act. Swirl ensures you can maximise the benefit while giving employees meaningful recognition. 

Start planning today to ensure your business is not leaving €1,500 per employee unused. 

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