Royal London commissioned IReach to conduct a survey of 1,000 people nationwide, across all ages, and from a variety of backgrounds, to ascertain whether or not they would support a change in the tax treatment of long term cohabiting couples who choose not to get married.

The survey revealed that marginally women (81%), older adults (82%) and those from Connacht/Ulster (82%) are most likely to think long terms couples should have the same tax treatment as married couples. 

Somewhat surprisingly one quarter of young adults are most likely to be against the proposal. 

Broker Sales Manager at Royal London Daragh Feely commented, “As cohabiting couples are, by far, the fastest-growing type of new family unit in Ireland perhaps it’s time that they’re considered within the current tax regime. While the Minister’s position around the complexity of making any alternations to the current tax regime is understandable, our survey shows there would be a lot of public support for change.”

Throughout the country the number of unmarried couples living together long-term, or what the Census describes as ‘cohabiting’ couples, is on the rise. 

A sizeable portion of these couples have children establishing the ‘cohabiting couple’ as a new family unit.

The report describes latest CSO statistics, regarding the number of cohabiting couples in Ireland. Figures rose from 77,600 in 2002 to 121,800 in 2006 accounting for 11.6% of all family units, before rising to further to reach 143,600 or 12% in 2011.

Source: www.businessworld.ie