Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2013
152. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who will lose access to the lone parent tax credit as a result of changes announced in the budget 2014; if it will be possible for two parent to split the credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44663/13]
View answerThe position is that the One-Parent Family Tax Credit is being replaced with a new Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit from 1 January 2014. The Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit will be of the same value, i.e. €1,650, as the existing One-Parent Family Tax Credit and will also carry the same entitlement to the extended standard rate tax band of €36,800 per annum. The new credit will be targeted such that it is available only to the primary carer of the child. A maximum of one credit will be available per single carer/claimant, regardless of whether he or she cares for more than one child and there will be no facility to apportion the credit between parents. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that based on the most up to date data it is estimated that up to 15,400 individuals may be affected by the restriction of the restructured credit to the principal carer. However, ultimately it will depend on the circumstances of each individual carer.
