Stamp duty is payable on all land and commercial transactions, and the current rate in
respect of transfers of land is 7.5%. However, there may be a full exemption from stamp
duty should you satisfy the requirements for the Young Trained Farmers Relief.
Young Trained Farmers Relief is applicable on transfers of agricultural land, including
qualifying farm buildings and farm houses.
There are a number of requirements which must be met in order to be eligible for this
stamp duty relief, including:

  •  The transferee must be under the age of 35 at the date of execution of the deed.
  • The transferee must have completed a qualified farming course and be the holder
    of a relevant ‘trained farmer’ agricultural qualification.
  • The transferee must submit a business plan to Teagasc.
  • The transferee must be registered for income tax.
  • The transferee must be the head of the farm holding.
  • The transferee must spend at least 50% of their normal working time farming the
    transferred land for at least five years after acquiring the land.

Please note that there is the potential for ‘clawback’ if you do not adhere to these
conditions for at least five years after the execution of the deed, meaning the full stamp
duty amount would be liable to the Revenue.

A refund of stamp duty paid may be available under the Young Trained Farmers relief if
the party obtains their relevant agricultural qualification and meets all the conditions
within 4 years of execution of deed. The young farmer must retain ownership of the lands
for 5 years after refund made, otherwise they may be subject to the clawback.
Since 18 th December 2023, there is a limit of €100,000 applied to the aggregate amount of
relief a party may be granted under the Young Trained Farmers Relief, Stock Relief and
Succession Farm Partnerships.

* In contentious business, a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a
percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
** This information is for guidance purposes only. It does not constitute legal or
professional advice. Professional or legal advice should be obtained before taking or
refraining from any action as a result of the contents of this publication. No liability is
accepted by McElhinney & Associates for any action taken in reliance on the information
contained herein. Any and all information is subject to change.