Kieran Coughlan: Budget must balance protecting Agricultural Relief with curbing abuse

Beneficiaries who avail of Agricultural Relief see the taxable value of the gift or inheritance of 'agricultural property' (including farmland, buildings, stock) reduced by 90%

A significant proportion of farm transfers effected in the country pass from one generation to the next with little or no gift or inheritance tax as a result of Agricultural Relief. File photo

This year’s Budget announcements are now just weeks away, and one of the most important tax reliefs available for farmers is likely to be overhauled.

A significant proportion of farm transfers effected in the country pass from one generation to the next with little or no gift or inheritance tax as a result of Agricultural Relief.