A new tax on maternity benefit came into effect yesterday. It’s being reported the tax will see women lose up €2,700 a year, or €103 a week.
Hang on.
The Irish Examiner reports:
“The tax will contribute €15m to the exchequer in 2013, and €40m per full year from then on.”
“But the National Women’s Council expressed concern that many women were not aware when the reductions in benefit would take affect.”
“Its policy advisor Ann Irwin explained: “It’s a very mean-spirited move in a lot of ways. Even the commission on taxation has said that maternity benefit should remain outside the tax net. It’s there for mothers to nurture children when outside the workforce.
“The benefit payments are an important acknowledgment for mothers of the cost of having a baby in Ireland.”
Maternity benefit tax could cost women up to €3,000 (Irish Examiner)
Related: Gilmore defends maternity benefit tax (March 8, 2013 Irish Examiner)
H/T: Unreported Mum
Pic: Wefare.ie