The Department of Finance has yet to assess whether farmers can claim a reduced 1% stamp duty rate on farmland sales involving field swaps in compliance with EU state aid rules.

A spokesperson has reiterated the position given to the Irish Farmers Journal one month ago: this review “is ongoing, and this may take a little time”.

If no risk is found, Minister Paschal Donohoe can sign a commencement order immediately.

Otherwise, seeking clearance from the European Commission would inevitably extend the uncertainty on eligible transactions past the 15 May BPS deadline.

Read more

Donohoe dallies on stamp duty

What the stamp duty changes mean for farmers