'Stamp Duty Budget reform is out' but ...

[SPDAY]

'Stamp Duty Budget reform is out'

Minister for Finance Brian Cowen is reportedly set to resist
pressure to introduce reforms to the stamp-duty regime in
Wednesday's budget

Reports this morning say the minister will instead double the
level of mortgage-interest relief for first-time buyers

Single people will reportedly be able to claim relief of up to
E8,000 at the 20pc tax rate, while couples will enjoy a E16,000
threshold

Elsewhere, this morning's reports say Mr Cowen will also cut the
top rate of tax from 42pc to 41pc and to increase income-tax
credits by up to 13pc, taking thousands of low earners out of the
tax net