Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 section 84

Expenses in relation to establishment or alteration of superannuation schemes

Section 84 provides that expenses and professional fees incurred in setting up or altering a Revenue-approved superannuation (pension) scheme are tax-deductible against the profits of the trade or undertaking.

• Where a superannuation scheme is established or altered in connection with a trade or undertaking, the person carrying on that trade may deduct certain costs incurred in the process.
• Deductible expenses include professional fees such as actuarial, legal, or accountancy fees, but do not include contributions towards the cost of providing the actual benefits payable under the scheme.
• The scheme (or altered scheme) must be approved by the Revenue Commissioners under section 772 for the deduction to apply.
• The expense is treated as deductible in the period in which the payment is actually made, rather than when the scheme is established or approved.