Most Irish companies are already using the Small Benefit Scheme.
But here’s the problem:
Very few are using it to its full potential.
That means lost tax savings, low engagement, and unnecessary admin.
There is a better way.
By combining a points-based recognition platform like Amplify with the AllGo Mastercard Gift Card, companies can turn a simple tax-free benefit into a structured, high-impact reward strategy.
The €1,500 Opportunity Most Companies Miss
The Small Benefit Scheme allows employers in Ireland to provide up to €1,500 per employee per year tax-free.
- No Benefit-in-Kind (BIK)
- No employer PRSI
It’s one of the most valuable tax reliefs available to Irish businesses.
Yet many companies still:
- Default to a once-a-year Christmas reward
- Don’t use the full allowance
- Apply the same reward to everyone
The result?
Minimal impact — and a missed opportunity to drive real engagement.
Move from One-Off Rewards to Ongoing Recognition
The most effective companies are shifting their approach:
From: One annual voucher
To: Continuous, performance-based rewards
Instead of giving the same amount to everyone, rewards are earned through:
- Service milestones
- Training and certifications
- Employee of the Month
- Peer recognition
- Referrals and ideas
This creates a direct link between performance and reward — increasing engagement across the business.
Why One Approach Alone Falls Short
Many organisations try to solve this with a single tool:
- Gift cards → simple, but passive
- Recognition platforms → engaging, but need a compliant payout method
Each solves part of the problem.
Combining both is where the real value comes in.
How the “Two is Better Than One” Approach Works
1. Recognise in Real Time with Amplify
With Amplify, companies can:
- Award points instantly for achievements
- Automate service awards and milestones
- Enable peer-to-peer recognition
- Run structured reward programmes
Employees build value throughout the year — not just at Christmas.
2. Convert Points into Tax-Free Rewards
Points are then converted into the AllGo Mastercard Gift Card:
- Fully aligned with Small Benefit Scheme rules
- Accepted widely for everyday spending
- Easy to distribute at scale
3. The Outcome: More Value, Less Effort
By combining both:
- You maximise the €1,500 tax-free allowance
- You increase employee engagement
- You reduce admin for HR and finance
- You stay fully compliant with Revenue requirements
It’s a more effective way to run the scheme — for both employees and employers.
Reduce Admin Without Losing Control
As the Small Benefit Scheme has grown, so has the complexity.
Tracking:
- Number of rewards
- Total value per employee
- Reporting requirements
…can quickly become time-consuming.
With a structured system in place:
- Points are tracked automatically
- Reward values are calculated in real time
- Reports are generated for compliance
This removes manual work and reduces the risk of errors.
Built-In Compliance with Scheme Rules
Staying within the rules is critical.
The combined approach ensures:
- No more than 5 rewards per year
- No employee exceeds €1,500 annually
- Full support for Enhanced Revenue Reporting (ERR)
This keeps everything aligned with Revenue requirements — without extra effort.
More Flexibility, Less Waste
The Small Benefit Scheme resets every year — unused allowance is lost.
With a points-based approach, companies have more control:
- Carry over unused points
- Pay excess through payroll if needed
- Cap rewards strategically
- Adjust distribution across the year
This ensures your reward budget is used effectively.
Why This Approach Works
Employees want:
- Recognition throughout the year
- Rewards linked to their contribution
- Flexibility in how they spend
Employers need:
- Tax efficiency
- Simplicity
- Compliance
Combining a recognition platform with a compliant reward solution delivers both. Two really is better than one.
Download Your Free Booklet
This is just an overview.
To find out more (and claim your free treat) download our full booklet on maximising the Small Benefit Scheme with Amplify and AllGo Mastercard Gift Cards.
