Cycle to Work Scheme
This scheme aims to encourage you to cycle to and from work. Under the scheme your employer can buy a bicycle and safety equipment for you. This will not be a taxable benefit-in-kind.
There are now two limits, depending on the type of bicycle purchased.
For pedelecs or ebikes and related safety equipment the limit is €1,500. For other bicycles and related safety equipment the limit is now €1,250.
Prior to 1 August 2020 the limit for all bicycles and safety equipment was €1,000.
The purchase can be made in any cycle shop. If you are a civil or public servant, the cycle shop must be on the suppliers list.
Your employer does not have to take part in the scheme.
What bicycles and equipment are included?
New bicycles and pedelecs (electrically assisted bicycles which require some effort from the cyclist). The scheme does not cover:
- motorbikes, scooters or mopeds
- second-hand bicycles or equipment
- bicycle parts or associated equipment.
The following new safety equipment, if purchased with the bicycle, are also covered:
- cycle helmets
- bells and bulb horns
- lights, including dynamo packs
- mirrors and mudguards
- cycle clips and dress guards
- panniers, luggage carriers and straps
- locks and chains
- pumps, puncture repair kits, cycle tool kits and tyre sealant
- reflective clothing, white front reflectors and spoke reflectors.
How do I get a bicycle?
You will need to ask your employer if they operate the scheme and their requirements. They may allow you to select the bicycle and equipment from any shop, or only certain bicycles from specific shops.
Payment
Your employer can arrange a 'salary sacrifice' over an agreed time, which cannot be for more than 12 months. In this arrangement you give up an agreed amount of your gross salary to cover the cost of the bicycle. You only pay Income Tax (IT), Universal Social Charge (USC) and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) on the balance of your salary.
Your employer may buy the bicycle and not require you to pay for it. In this case, you will be exempt from tax on the benefit of the cost of the bicycle up to €1,250. If the bicycle is a pedelec or ebike, the exemption is €1,500.
The cost of the bicycle may be more than €1,250 or in the case of a pedelec or ebike, €1,500. If this is the case IT, USC and PRSI will apply to the balance in excess of these amounts.
Note
The tax exemption does not apply if you pay for the bicycle and your employer reimburses you. Your employer must pay for the bicycle.
How often can I use the scheme?
Once every four years (five years prior to 1 August 2020). This applies even if the cost of the bicycle and safety equipment was less than €1,250 or, in the case of a pedelec or ebike, €1,500.
The tax year in which the bicycle is provided counts as the first year. For example, if you used the scheme during any month in 2016, you can use the scheme again from 1 January 2020.
Qualifying journeys
You must mainly use the bicycle and safety equipment for qualifying journeys. This means the whole or part of a journey between your home and your normal place of work.