Accelerated capital allowance

ACA and Triple E

The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) is a tax incentive scheme that promotes investment in energy efficient products and equipment. The ACA is based on the long-standing 'Wear and Tear Allowance' for investment in capital plant and machinery, whereby capital depreciation can be compensated through a reduction in an organisation's tax liability.

The ACA scheme allows a sole trader, farmer or company that pays corporation tax or income tax on trading or professional income in Ireland to deduct the full cost of the equipment from their profits in the year of purchase. As a result, the business's taxable profits are reduced by the value of qualifying capital expenditure. By contrast, the Wear and Tear Allowance provides for the same tax reduction, but this is spread evenly over an eight-year period.

For cars coming under the category "Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles" the accelerated allowance is based on the lower of the actual cost of the vehicle or €24,000.

Eligibility for ACA

Companies, sole traders and farmers that operate and pay corporation tax or income tax on trading or professional income in Ireland can avail of the ACA scheme.

Equipment use

The equipment purchased must be new and bought for use in a trade. It cannot be leased, let or hired to any person, body or organisation.

Time period

ACA can be claimed for the accounting period in which the equipment was first provided, as long as the equipment is included on the published list at some stage during that accounting period.

Eligible costs and minimum expenditure

ACA is available for costs directly related to providing the equipment. Expenditure on the technology must be equal to or exceed the minimum amounts for the relevant class of technology. Find the minimum amounts on the categories and criteria for Triple E page.

How to claim the ACA

1. Decide on the equipment you require.
2. Ensure the equipment model is eligible for ACA by checking the Triple E product register before making purchase.
3. Claim the ACA through your company's return of income form (CT1). There is now a field for ACA on the form alongside the standard capital allowances entry field.

Rules and qualifications

The ACA is subject to the same rules as the standard plant & machinery wear and tear allowance. The difference is the acceleration to 100% of capital expenditure during the first year of its purchase. You don't need approval for expenditure on energy efficient equipment; normal self-assessment tax provisions apply.

Still unclear on whether you qualify for the ACA? Get assistance from your taxation advisor or by visiting revenue.ie.

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