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Complete Guide: Irish Capital Gains Tax 2025
Foreign Investments & CGT Filing
Shares, ETFs, Crypto, Dividends - Form 11, CGT, EXIT Tax & ROS Filing
ℹ️ KEY RULES
1. EXIT TAX (EU/IRISH ETFs)
EXIT tax on Irish and EU-domiciled ETFs is 38% for chargeable events from 1 January 2026 (Finance Act 2025) and 41% for 2025 and earlier tax years — your report applies the rate of the year you select. 8-year deemed disposal applies (tax on unrealized gains every 8 years) in every year.
2. ⚠️ PRSI/USC ON DIVIDENDS
IMPORTANT: PRSI (4.1% in 2025; 4% up to Sept 2024, then 4.1% → 4.2% → 4.35% each October) and USC (up to 8%) DO apply to dividend income in Ireland, including foreign dividends, in addition to income tax.
For higher-rate taxpayers: approximately 52% total (40% income tax + ~4% PRSI + 8% USC). For standard-rate taxpayers: approximately 26-27% (20% income tax + ~4% PRSI + 2-3% USC). However, individual circumstances may vary - verify your specific situation with Revenue (01 738 3636) or a tax advisor.
3. ✅ CRYPTO-TO-CRYPTO TRADES CONFIRMED TAXABLE
Revenue has confirmed: Every crypto-to-crypto swap is a taxable event. Swapping BTC for ETH triggers CGT. 33% rate, FIFO method, €1,270 exemption applies.
Why Is Irish Investment Tax So Complex?
- • Multiple tax rates: CGT 33%, EXIT 41% (38% from 2026), Dividends 20-52%, DIRT 33%
- • EXIT tax nightmare: 41% (38% from 2026) on unrealized gains every 8 years (deemed disposal)
- • PRSI/USC confusion: Conflicting guidance on whether PRSI/USC applies to dividends
- • 8-year deemed disposal tracking: Must track purchase dates for every ETF
- • Multiple brokers = calculation nightmare: Revolut + DEGIRO + IBKR = manual work
- • Fear of Revenue penalties: Incorrect filing can result in significant fines
- • Time consumption: Manual calculations can take 40+ hours
What Tax-Wizard Does for You
🎯 Automated Calculations
- ✅ CGT at 33% with €1,270 exemption
- ✅ EXIT tax at the rate of the year (41% to 2025, 38% from 2026)
- ✅ 8-year deemed disposal tracking
- ✅ FIFO method implementation
- ✅ Crypto-to-crypto trade tracking
- ✅ Foreign tax credit breakdown
- ✅ Dividend taxation (with PRSI/USC disclaimer)
📊 Report Generation
- ✅ Single combined report (Form 11 + CGT + EXIT tax)
- ✅ ETF deemed disposal schedules
- ✅ Loss carryforward tracking (indefinite)
- ✅ Broker compatibility (Revolut, DEGIRO, IBKR, eToro, etc.)
- ✅ ROS filing ready
- ✅ Detailed disclaimers for PRSI/USC
📊 Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Fundamentals
CGT Rate
33%
Flat rate on capital gains
Ireland has a flat 33% CGT rate on all capital gains from:
- - Irish and foreign shares ✅
- - Non-Irish/EU ETFs ✅
- - Cryptocurrency ✅
- - Investment property
Annual Exemption
€1,270
Tax-free each year
First €1,270 of gains each year are tax-free:
- - Applies to total gains across all assets
- - Cannot be carried forward if unused
- - Married couples: €1,270 each
- - Does NOT apply to EXIT tax
CGT Calculation Example
If the gain was €2,000: (€2,000 - €1,270) × 33% = €241 tax
✅ What counts as CGT:
- - Irish and foreign shares
- - Non-Irish/EU ETFs (US ETFs like VOO, VTI)
- - Cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, etc.)
- - Investment property (not your home)
⚠️ EXIT Tax (ETFs)
What is EXIT Tax?
EXIT tax on Irish and EU-domiciled ETFs is 38% for chargeable events (sales, deemed disposals, distributions) on or after 1 January 2026, following Budget 2026 / Finance Act 2025. It was 41% from 2014 up to and including the 2025 tax year — so a 2020–2025 report uses 41% and a 2026 report uses 38%. See rules by year.
Most controversial feature: Tax on UNREALIZED gains - you pay tax even if you never sold!
8-Year Deemed Disposal Rule
Every 8 years, you are "deemed" to have sold and rebought your ETF, triggering tax on unrealized gains:
Example:
- - Jan 1, 2017: Buy €10,000 of VWCE (Irish-domiciled ETF)
- - Jan 1, 2025: 8 years later, market value = €18,000
- - Gain: €8,000 (unrealized - you didn't sell!)
- - EXIT tax due: €8,000 × 41% = €3,280 (an anniversary falling in 2026 or later is taxed at 38% = €3,040)
- - New cost basis: €18,000
- - Next deemed disposal: Jan 1, 2033
Cash flow problem: You must pay €3,280 in tax WITHOUT selling the ETF. Many investors are forced to sell shares just to pay the tax bill.
Which Funds Have EXIT Tax?
Check the ISIN code (first 2 letters indicate domicile):
❌ EXIT Tax Applies (41% to 2025, 38% from 2026)
- - IE... = Irish domiciled
- - LU... = Luxembourg
- - DE, FR, IT, ES, NL = EU countries
- - Examples: VWCE (IE00BK5BQT80), CSPX (IE00B5BMR087)
✅ CGT Applies (33%)
- - US... = United States
- - Other non-EU countries
- - Examples: VOO (US9229083632), VTI (US9229087690)
- - Better tax treatment for Irish investors!
⚠️ EXIT Tax Losses:
ETF losses CANNOT be offset against EXIT tax gains or CGT gains. Losses are essentially worthless. This is the most criticized aspect of EXIT tax.
📋 Stamp Duty on Irish Shares
⚠️ What is Stamp Duty?
When you buy shares in Irish-registered companies, you pay a 1% stamp duty on the purchase price.
This is in addition to any broker fees. The stamp duty is paid by the buyer, not the seller.
Standard Rate
1%
Of purchase price
Paid By
Buyer
Not the seller
Property Companies
7.5%
Higher rate for real estate
Which Shares Have Stamp Duty?
❌ Stamp Duty Applies (1%)
- - Irish-registered companies: AIB, Bank of Ireland, CRH, Kerry Group, Ryanair, etc.
- - Check company registration, not stock exchange
- - Applies even if trading on London or US exchanges
✅ No Stamp Duty
- - Foreign shares: Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Shell
- - ETFs: VWCE, CSPX, VOO (not shares)
- - 2025 exemption: Irish companies < €1bn market cap
Stamp Duty Calculation Example
You buy shares in AIB (Irish bank):
Important: The stamp duty increases your cost basis for CGT calculations. When you sell, your gain is calculated from €5,060, not €5,000.
✅ 2026 UPDATE - New Exemption:
Budget 2026 introduced an exemption from stamp duty for purchases of shares in Irish companies with a market value of less than €1 billion, effective from 1 January 2026. This supports smaller Irish businesses.
📝 Broker Handling:
Most brokers and platforms (Revolut, Degiro, IBKR) automatically collect stamp duty when you buy Irish shares. It appears as a separate line item in your transaction confirmation. Always check your total transaction cost.
₿ Cryptocurrency Tax
⚠️ CRITICAL: Crypto-to-Crypto Trades ARE Taxable
Revenue has confirmed: Every crypto-to-crypto swap is a taxable event.
Example:
- - Buy 1 BTC @ €20,000
- - Swap BTC for 10 ETH when BTC = €30,000
- - Taxable gain on BTC: €10,000
- - CGT: (€10,000 - €1,270) × 33% = €2,881 tax
- - New cost basis for ETH: €30,000 (€3,000 each)
CGT Rate
33%
Flat rate on crypto gains
Exemption
€1,270
Annual exemption applies
Method
FIFO
First In, First Out
Mining & Staking
Mining and staking rewards are taxed as INCOME (not CGT) at the time of receipt:
At Receipt (Income Tax)
- - Income tax: 20% or 40% (marginal rate)
- - PRSI: 4%
- - USC: 0.5%, 2%, 3%, or 8% (progressive rates)
- - Total: 26% - 52%
Fair market value at receipt date
At Disposal (CGT)
- - Cost basis = receipt value
- - Gain = sale price - receipt value
- - CGT: 33%
- - €1,270 exemption applies
When you eventually sell the crypto
✅ Loss Carryforward:
Crypto losses can offset crypto gains AND other CGT gains (shares, property). Losses carry forward indefinitely ✅
📝 Record Keeping:
You MUST keep records for 6 years: Every trade, swap, deposit, withdrawal, exchange, wallet, DeFi protocol.
📊 Options & Derivatives Taxation
⚠️ CRITICAL: Trading vs Investment Distinction
The tax treatment of options, futures, and CFDs depends entirely on whether Revenue considers your activity "trading" or "investment".
This determination can mean the difference between a 33% tax rate (CGT) and 52% tax rate (income tax + PRSI + USC).
Investment
Tax treatment: Capital Gains Tax
Characteristics:
- - Infrequent transactions
- - Long holding periods
- - Part of diversified portfolio
- - Hedging existing positions
- - Limited time spent managing
Tax rate:
33%
Plus €1,270 annual exemption
Trading
Tax treatment: Income Tax
Characteristics:
- - Frequent transactions (daily/weekly)
- - Short holding periods
- - Systematic trading approach
- - Significant time commitment
- - High volume/leverage
Tax rate:
26-52%
Income tax + PRSI + USC
Specific Instrument Treatment
📋 Stock Options (S.532 TCA 1997)
Options are assets for CGT purposes, but trading determination still applies.
Four tax events:
- 1. Granting an option: Premium received is a chargeable gain (or loss if bought back)
- 2. Exercising an option: Premium paid increases cost basis of shares acquired
- 3. Allowing option to lapse: Premium paid is an allowable loss
- 4. Disposing of option: Normal CGT calculation on gain/loss
📊 CFDs (Contracts for Difference)
Generally treated as speculative transactions = income tax treatment
- - High leverage nature suggests trading
- - Most CFD activity falls under income tax
- - Cannot claim €1,270 exemption
- - Losses only offset against trading profits
⚡ Futures & Commodities
Tax treatment depends on intention and frequency
- - Hedging business activity: Business expense
- - Speculative trading: Income tax
- - Long-term investment: CGT (rare)
⚠️ "Badges of Trade" Test
Revenue uses several factors to determine if you're trading or investing:
- ✓ Subject matter of the transaction
- ✓ Length of ownership
- ✓ Frequency of transactions
- ✓ Supplementary work done
- ✓ Circumstances of realization
- ✓ Motive/intention
- ✓ Method of financing
- ✓ Existence of similar transactions
🚨 Professional Advice ESSENTIAL
Options and derivatives taxation is extremely complex and highly fact-specific.
- - Revenue can challenge your classification years later
- - Wrong classification can result in significant back taxes and penalties
- - Documentation of investment intent is crucial
- - Consult a tax advisor BEFORE engaging in derivatives trading
🏦 Dividends Taxation
Basic Dividend Tax Rates
Standard Rate Taxpayer
20%
Income up to €44,000 (single, 2025)
Higher Rate Taxpayer
40%
Income above €44,000 (single, 2025)
⚠️ IMPORTANT: PRSI/USC Application to Dividends
How Dividends Are Taxed:
PRSI (4%) and USC (up to 8%) DO apply to dividend income in Ireland, including foreign dividends, in addition to income tax.
This is confirmed by Revenue and multiple authoritative Irish tax sources. Dividend income is treated as part of your total income and is subject to income tax, PRSI, and USC.
Total Effective Tax Rates:
Higher-rate taxpayers: Approximately 52% (40% income tax + ~4% PRSI + 8% USC)
Standard-rate taxpayers: Approximately 26-27% (20% income tax + ~4% PRSI + 2-3% USC)
💡 Important Note:
- - Individual circumstances may vary based on your total income and tax status
- - We recommend verifying your specific situation with Revenue at 01 738 3636 or a qualified tax advisor
- - This tool calculates dividends including PRSI and USC as per standard Irish tax treatment
Dividend Tax Rate Breakdown
Standard Rate Taxpayers:
Higher Rate Taxpayers:
Income tax rate depends on whether your total income exceeds €44,000 (2025 single-person threshold — €35,300 in 2020, see rules by year)
🏛️ Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT)
What is DWT?
Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) is a 25% tax deducted at source by Irish companies before paying dividends to Irish resident shareholders.
DWT was increased from 20% to 25% on January 1, 2020 and has stayed at 25% every year since (2020–2026).
Irish Company Dividends
25% DWT withheld before you receive payment
- - Applied to: AIB, Bank of Ireland, CRH, Kerry Group, etc.
- - Deducted automatically
- - Appears on dividend statement
Foreign Dividend Encashment Tax
25% encashment tax when cashed through Irish financial institutions
- - Introduced January 1, 2021
- - Applies to: US, UK, EU dividends
- - Does NOT apply to retail branch cheques
DWT Calculation Example (Irish Company)
⚠️ Important Tax Treatment:
Standard rate taxpayers (20%):
- - DWT (25%) > Income tax due (20%)
- - No further income tax due (but still owe PRSI + USC)
- - May be entitled to small refund
Higher rate taxpayers (40%):
- - DWT (25%) is just a prepayment
- - Must pay additional 15% income tax + PRSI + USC
- - Total effective rate: ~52%
Foreign Tax Credit
Foreign withholding tax can be credited against Irish tax:
Example: US dividend
🏦 DIRT Tax on Savings Interest
DIRT = Deposit Interest Retention Tax
DIRT Rate
33%
Flat rate on deposit interest
DIRT (Deposit Interest Retention Tax) is applied to interest earned on:
- - Irish bank savings accounts
- - Credit union accounts
- - Deposit accounts in EU banks
- - Savings certificates
Key Features
✅ Withheld at Source
Bank deducts DIRT before paying you interest
✅ No Further Tax
No income tax or USC due after DIRT paid
📋 Must Declare
Include on tax return if filing Form 11
DIRT Calculation Example
The €412.50 DIRT is your final tax liability - no further income tax or USC is due.
✅ DIRT Applies To:
- - Irish bank deposit accounts
- - Irish credit unions
- - Interest from EU banks (paid through Irish institutions)
- - State Savings products
❌ DIRT Does NOT Apply To:
- - Foreign bank accounts held directly
- - Interest from foreign bonds
- - Peer-to-peer lending interest
- - (These are taxed as income at marginal rate)
💡 Comparison: DIRT vs Dividend Tax
DIRT (Deposit Interest):
33% final tax - no USC/PRSI
Dividends:
20-40% income tax + ~4% PRSI + USC = 26-52%
DIRT is often more favorable than dividend taxation for higher earners.
⚠️ Foreign Account Interest:
If you have interest from foreign bank accounts or foreign bonds not paid through an Irish financial institution, you must:
- - Self-assess the income on Form 11
- - Pay income tax at marginal rate (20% or 40%)
- - Pay PRSI (4%) and USC (up to 8%)
- - Total: 26-52% (much higher than DIRT!)
📲 Broker Interest: Three Very Different Tax Treatments
Several brokers pay you "interest" that looks identical on the statement but is taxed under completely different regimes. Tax-Wizard auto-classifies these where it can; the rest are user-pickable on the Ireland config screen.
Cash-balance interest
Typical sources: Trading 212 "Interest on cash" (when paid from an EU partner bank), Lightyear, Trade Republic, Freetrade, eToro USD program.
- - Schedule D Case III foreign deposit interest.
- - Marginal income tax + PRSI + USC (no DIRT - that's Irish institutions only).
- - Goes on the Foreign Income panel of Form 11.
Default treatment unless the tool detects an MMF source.
MMF distributions (Exit Tax)
Typical sources: Revolut Flexible Cash Funds (Fidelity ILF / BlackRock ICS), T212 when the underlying is an MMF, Lightyear Vaults (when held directly).
- - Investment Undertaking distributions under s.739B–E TCA 1997.
- - 41% Exit Tax (38% from 1 Jan 2026). No €1,270 exemption.
- - Losses cannot offset CGT gains or other Exit Tax gains.
Tax-Wizard auto-routes Revolut Cash Funds here. For T212 "Interest on cash" you can pick the treatment on the Ireland config screen.
Securities-lending fees
Typical sources: Trading 212 "Lending interest", IBKR Stock Yield Enhancement Program (SYEP) and CYEP, Firstrade Fully Paid Lending.
- - Schedule D Case IV miscellaneous income.
- - Goes on the Other Income panel of Form 11, NOT the Foreign Income panel.
- - Marginal income tax + PRSI + USC. No €1,270 exemption (not a capital gain).
Auto-routed by Tax-Wizard for T212 and IBKR. For other brokers, check the "Deposit Interest" sheet - anything labelled "Securities Lending" is Case IV.
📜 Bond Coupons - Foreign Interest, Different ROS Line
A coupon paid by a US Treasury, UK Gilt, German Bund or corporate bond is Schedule D Case III foreign interest, not a dividend - even though some brokers (notably Trade Republic) print it under their "Earnings" section.
Crucially, Revenue's Form 11 separates deposit interest (banks, building societies - Lines 304 / 307) from "other" / non-deposit interest. Bond coupons fall in the non-deposit bucket, which lives on its own ROS lines:
- Line 305 - UK 'Other' Interest (gilts, UK corporate bonds)
- Line 306 - EU 'Other' Interest (Bunds, OATs, EU corporate bonds)
- Lines 318(b) / 319(b) - Other Foreign Income: "Income from all other Foreign Non-Deposit Interest, Royalties, Annuities, Dividends, etc." Line 319 is used when foreign tax was withheld (so you can claim the credit at Line 319(b)(ii)). This is the correct home for US Treasury coupons.
Tax treatment is still marginal income tax + PRSI + USC (Case III). Foreign withholding tax on corporate bonds - rare on Treasuries / Gilts, more common on emerging-market or corporate paper - can be claimed as a Foreign Tax Credit, paired with the matching Line 319(b) entry.
Tax-Wizard now picks up bond coupons across Revolut, IBKR, Degiro and Trade Republic and auto-splits them by issuer jurisdiction (UK / EU / other) using the ISIN prefix, so the Overview shows three separate totals - one per Form 11 line - and the Deposit Interest sheet's bond-coupon table includes a "Jurisdiction (Form 11 Line)" column on every row. You can copy each total straight into Line 305, Line 306 or Line 318(b) / 319(b).
Sources: Revenue - Form 11 (Tax Return & Self-Assessment), Panel F lines 304–319; Revenue - Guide to Completing Pay & File Self-Assessment Returns (Panel F, sections "UK 'Other' Interest [305]", "EU 'Other' Interest [306]" and "Other Foreign Income [317–318]"); Revenue - Foreign deposit income (distinction between deposit and non-deposit interest).
🏦 P2P / Crowdfunding Interest
EU P2P interest is taxed as Case III foreign interest on Form 11 (or the "Other Foreign Income" panel on Form 12). DIRT does not apply - P2P platforms are not deposit-takers. Revenue's only direct guidance is eBrief 89/2018, which addresses borrower-side withholding but is silent on per-platform source-country attribution.
⚠️ Esketit special case for Irish residents
Esketit Platform Ltd is Irish-incorporated but not authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland as an ECSP, issues no R185, and operates an assignment-of-claim model where the contractual debtor is the foreign loan originator (CZ / JO / ES / LV). For Irish residents the most defensible position is to declare it as foreign-source interest under the originator's country, not as Irish-source. For non-Irish-resident users, Ireland (IE) is correct.
For all other platforms the country to enter matches the platform's legal seat - the party paying the interest and the only basis on which Foreign Tax Credit Relief can be claimed where source-country WHT applies (Mintos / ViaInvest withhold 5 % Latvian PIT on EU/EEA residents under their tax-residency certificate workflow).
| Platform | Form 11 country | Source-country WHT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mintos | Latvia | 5 % (FTCR via IE–LV DTT) | Mintos · EU/EEA withholding |
| ViaInvest | Latvia | 5 % | Latvijas Banka · Viainvest |
| Esketit | Loan originator country (CZ/JO/ES/LV) - see note above | 0 % | CBI · Crowdfunding register |
| Bondora / Monefit | Estonia | 0 % | Finantsinspektsioon · Bondora |
| MacClear | Switzerland | 0 % | Maclear AG · PolyReg SRO |
| PeerBerry | Croatia | 0 % | PeerBerry · Legal entity (Zagreb) |
| Crowdpear | Lithuania | 0 % (DAS-1) | Crowdpear · ECSP licence |
| Inrento | Lithuania | 10 % (DAS-1; FTCR) | Inrento · Tax info |
| Fintown | Czech Rep. | 0 % | CNB · ECSPR register |
| Robocash | Croatia | 0 % | Robocash · Move to Croatia |
Revenue references: TDM Part 08-03-05 (s. 246 TCA 1997), Foreign deposit income, S.I. 730/2021 (ECSPR Regulations).
📄 Form 11 vs Form CG1
Which to File?
Form CG1
Capital Gains Tax Return - Standalone CGT return
Use when:
- - You ONLY have capital gains
- - No other income to report
- - Simpler than Form 11
Deadlines:
- - Jan 1 - Nov 30 gains: December 15
- - Dec 1 - Dec 31 gains: January 31 (following year)
Payment due same date as filing
Form 11
Income Tax & CGT Return - Comprehensive tax return
Use when:
- - You have self-employment income
- - Rental income
- - Dividends
- - Other income + capital gains
Deadline:
- - Paper filing: October 31
- - ROS online: 18 November 2026 (extended, for the 2025 return)
Pay & File deadline
💡 Quick Decision Guide:
- - Only trading/investing? → Form CG1 ✅
- - Have other income (rental, freelance)? → Form 11 ✅
- - Dividends only? → Usually Form 11 (income tax)
- - Both dividends and capital gains? → Form 11 ✅
✅ Tool Output:
Tax-Wizard generates a single combined report covering Form 11 and CGT. You choose which form to file based on your situation.
🖥️ How to File on ROS
What is ROS?
Revenue Online Service (ROS) is Revenue's online tax filing system. It's faster, more convenient, and gives you an extended filing deadline.
✅ ROS Benefits
- • Extended deadline: mid-November (18 November 2026 for the 2025 return) vs Oct 31 (paper)
- • No postage needed: File from home
- • Instant confirmation: Immediate acknowledgment
- • Online payment: Pay directly through ROS
- • Tax history access: View previous returns
📝 How to Register
- 1. Have your PPS number ready
- 2. Request ROS access code at ros.ie
- 3. Wait 5-10 business days for code by post
- 4. Complete registration online
- 5. Set up digital certificate
Tip: Register early! Don't wait until filing deadline.
Filing with Tax-Wizard:
- 1. Generate report with Tax-Wizard
- 2. Log into ROS at ros.ie
- 3. Select Form 11 or submit Form CG1 (use the combined report)
- 4. Enter figures from Tax-Wizard report
- 5. Submit and pay online
📅 Irish Investment Tax Rules by Year (2020 – 2026)
Filing several years at once? Every year gets its own rules.
Tax-Wizard generates a separate Irish report for any tax year from 2020 onwards. Pick the year on the dashboard and the workbook applies the CGT rate, exemption, exit-tax rate, DIRT/DWT rates and ROS deadlines that were actually in force for that year — and adds a "Tax Rules {year}" sheet listing them, together with what changed versus the previous year.
The good news for back-filers: the headline CGT numbers (33%, €1,270 exemption, FIFO, the 4-week rule, 15 Dec / 31 Jan payments) have not moved since 2020. The things that did change — exit tax (41% → 38% from 2026), income-tax bands, USC, PRSI and Revenue's US-ETF guidance — are tracked below.
| Rule | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGT rate | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% |
| CGT annual exemption | €1,270 | €1,270 | €1,270 | €1,270 | €1,270 | €1,270 | €1,270 |
| Exit tax (Irish/EU ETFs & funds) | 41% | 41% | 41% | 41% | 41% | 41% | 38% |
| 8-year deemed disposal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| US-domiciled ETFs | CGT (Revenue guidance) | CGT (Revenue guidance) | Case-by-case (eBrief 164/21) | Case-by-case (eBrief 164/21) | Case-by-case (eBrief 164/21) | Case-by-case (eBrief 164/21) | Case-by-case (eBrief 164/21) |
| DIRT | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% | 33% |
| Irish DWT | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
| Encashment tax (foreign dividends via Irish agent) | 20% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
| Income tax (standard / higher) | 20% / 40% | 20% / 40% | 20% / 40% | 20% / 40% | 20% / 40% | 20% / 40% | 20% / 40% |
| Standard-rate band (single) | €35,300 | €35,300 | €36,800 | €40,000 | €42,000 | €44,000 | €44,000 |
| USC bands | 0.5% to €12,012 2% to €20,484 4.5% to €70,044 8% above €70,044 | 0.5% to €12,012 2% to €20,687 4.5% to €70,044 8% above €70,044 | 0.5% to €12,012 2% to €21,295 4.5% to €70,044 8% above €70,044 | 0.5% to €12,012 2% to €22,920 4.5% to €70,044 8% above €70,044 | 0.5% to €12,012 2% to €25,760 4% to €70,044 8% above €70,044 | 0.5% to €12,012 2% to €27,382 3% to €70,044 8% above €70,044 | 0.5% to €12,012 2% to €28,700 3% to €70,044 8% above €70,044 |
| PRSI (unearned income, Class S/K) | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% (4.1% from 1 Oct) | 4.1% (4.2% from 1 Oct) | 4.2% (4.4% from 1 Oct) |
| CGT payment dates | 15 Dec 2020 31 Jan 2021 | 15 Dec 2021 31 Jan 2022 | 15 Dec 2022 31 Jan 2023 | 15 Dec 2023 31 Jan 2024 | 15 Dec 2024 31 Jan 2025 | 15 Dec 2025 31 Jan 2026 | 15 Dec 2026 31 Jan 2027 |
| Return deadline (Form 11 / CG1) | 31 Oct 2021 | 31 Oct 2022 | 31 Oct 2023 | 31 Oct 2024 | 31 Oct 2025 | 31 Oct 2026 | 31 Oct 2027 |
| ROS Pay & File extension (Form 11 filers who pay & file on ROS; a paper CG1 stays 31 Oct) | 19 November 2021 | 16 November 2022 | 15 November 2023 | 14 November 2024 | 19 November 2025 | 18 November 2026 | mid-November 2027 (exact ROS date TBC by Revenue) |
What changed, year by year
2020
- • DIRT cut from 35% to 33% on 1 January 2020 — the last step of the 41%→33% glide path legislated by Finance Act 2016 s.20 (TDM 08-04-11).
- • Irish Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) increased from 20% to 25% from 1 January 2020 (Finance Act 2019).
- • ROS Pay & File deadline for the 2019 return moved to 10 December 2020 (COVID-19); the 2020 return itself was due 17 November 2021 via ROS (eBrief 088/21), pushed to 5pm 19 November 2021 by eBrief 211/21 — a paper Form CG1 stays 31 October.
- • Finance Act 2020 s.23 (s.541(6A) TCA): moving a foreign-currency balance between two accounts of your own in the SAME currency is no longer a CGT disposal (Revenue: disposals from 14 Oct 2020; Act: from 19 Dec 2020). FX conversions remain disposals.
2021
- • Encashment tax on foreign dividends paid through Irish paying agents increased from 20% to 25% from 1 January 2021 (s.16 Finance Act 2020) and is now charged on the net-of-foreign-WHT dividend.
- • USC 2% band ceiling raised to €20,687.
- • Form CG1 (2021 form): the single loss-carry-forward box was split into three (boxes 18/19/20); the initial/later-period boxes moved to 21/22. Gains/losses/exemption stay at boxes 7/8/15.
- • Revenue eBrief 164/21 (1 Sept 2021): the 2015 "US ETFs are CGT assets" guidance withdrawn with effect from 1 January 2022.
2022
- • From 1 January 2022 ETFs domiciled in an EU/EEA/OECD-treaty state outside Ireland (e.g. US-domiciled) must be assessed case-by-case (Part 27 Ch.4, TDM 27-01A-03, eBrief 038/22): "equivalent" to an Irish fund → 41% exit tax, no loss relief, 8-year clock running from 2022 for existing holdings (earliest deemed disposal 2030); "non-equivalent" → CGT 33%. Revenue no longer gives blanket CGT confirmation.
- • Form 11 layout: Foreign Income moved from Panel E to Panel F (Irish Other Income E→G) — offshore-fund line 322, investment undertakings 409.
- • Standard-rate band (single) €35,300 → €36,800; USC 2% band ceiling €21,295.
- • Revenue TDM 02-01-03 (crypto-assets) rewritten (April 2022, eBrief 095/22) — no change in law: disposals incl. crypto-to-crypto swaps are CGT 33% with the €1,270 exemption; crypto goes on CG1 line 1(k) "Other Assets".
2023
- • Standard-rate band (single) €36,800 → €40,000; USC 2% band ceiling €22,920.
- • Form 11 (2023 form): a new line 310 shifted later Panel F lines by +1 (offshore funds 323, other offshore products 324); investment undertakings line became 410.
2024
- • Standard-rate band (single) €40,000 → €42,000; USC 4.5% rate cut to 4% and 2% band ceiling raised to €25,760.
- • Form 11 (2024 form): line 310 removed again — offshore funds back to line 322 (Panel F), investment undertakings 410 (Panel G). The s.895 foreign-bank-account disclosure was narrowed to accounts in non-cooperative / non-CRS jurisdictions — an EU/CRS broker account no longer needs the account-opening entry.
- • PRSI increased from 4% to 4.1% on 1 October 2024 (blended 4.025% for 2024 self-assessed income; Class S minimum €537.50).
2025 latest closed year — files by 31 Oct 2026
- • Standard-rate band (single) €42,000 → €44,000; USC 4% rate cut to 3% and 2% band ceiling raised to €27,382.
- • PRSI increased from 4.1% to 4.2% on 1 October 2025 (blended 4.125% for 2025; Class S minimum €650).
- • Budget 2026 (7 Oct 2025) announced the exit-tax cut to 38% — applies to chargeable events from 1 January 2026, so 2025 events stay at 41% (the 2025 Form 11 still prints 41%).
- • Form CG1 (2025 form): three retirement-relief boxes inserted above the gains block — gains now box 10, losses 11, exemption 18, net gain 19, initial/later period 24/25. ROS Pay & File date for the 2025 return: 18 November 2026 (eBrief 034/26).
- • Revenue TDM 08-04-12 (eBrief 120/25): EU/EEA deposit interest taxed at the 33% DIRT rate if returned on time (40% if late); non-EU incl. UK at the higher of 33% and your marginal rate; USC never applies to deposit interest.
- • Form 11 (2025 form): line 310 (Split Year Treatment) added — offshore funds line 323, other offshore products 324, investment undertakings 410.
2026
- • Exit tax on Irish funds, equivalent offshore (EU/EEA/OECD-treaty) funds & ETFs and foreign life policies — gains, 8-year deemed disposals AND distributions — reduced from 41% to 38% for chargeable events on/after 1 January 2026 (s.37 Finance Act 2025, Budget 2026). The 8-year deemed-disposal rule is retained (Funds Review: abolition only "under consideration"); personal-portfolio (PPIU) rates stay 60%/80%.
- • No change to income-tax rates or bands; USC 2% band ceiling raised to €28,700; PRSI rises to 4.35% on 1 October 2026 (blended 4.2375% for 2026).
- • DAC8 / CARF (s.891HA / s.891M TCA 1997, eBrief 031/26): crypto exchanges report 2026 activity to Revenue (first exchange Sept 2027) — you only need to give your exchange a self-certification; no extra filing.
- • Stamp duty: 1% on Irish shares waived for issuers with market cap under €1bn (1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2030) — applied by the broker/CREST, changes the acquisition cost of small-cap Irish shares.
✅ Unchanged 2020 – 2026
- • CGT 33% and the €1,270 personal exemption (per person, not carried forward).
- • FIFO share identification and the 4-week restricted-loss rule.
- • Losses carry forward indefinitely (they are returned in the year they are used, not the year they arise).
- • CGT paid 15 December (Jan–Nov disposals) and 31 January (December disposals); return by 31 October of the following year.
- • 8-year deemed disposal on Irish/EU-equivalent funds; no loss relief and no €1,270 exemption on funds.
- • Crypto disposals (including crypto-to-crypto swaps) are CGT; staking, mining and airdrops are income.
- • DIRT 33% and Irish DWT 25% (both since 1 January 2020).
🔁 What actually differs between your 2020 and 2025 reports
- • Exit tax: 41% on chargeable events up to 31 Dec 2025, 38% from 1 January 2026 (Finance Act 2025). Deemed disposals whose 8th anniversary falls in 2026+ use 38%.
- • US-domiciled ETFs: for 2020 and 2021 Revenue's published position was "CGT asset"; from 2022 (eBrief 164/21) each fund is assessed on its own terms — "equivalent" to an Irish fund ⇒ exit tax with an 8-year clock counted from 2022, "non-equivalent" ⇒ CGT 33% (we apply CGT and flag it).
- • Form CG1 / Form 11 box numbers: the CG1 was renumbered in 2021 and 2025 and Form 11's Foreign Income panel moved from E to F in 2022 — each report prints the box numbers of that year's form.
- • Income tax on dividends / interest: the single standard-rate band rose from €35,300 (2020) to €44,000 (2025) and USC bands widened every year — a higher-rate taxpayer in 2020 may be a standard-rate taxpayer on the same income in 2025.
- • PRSI: 4% until 30 Sept 2024, then 4.1% from 1 Oct 2024, 4.2% from 1 Oct 2025 and 4.35% from 1 Oct 2026 (DSP publishes blended rates for self-assessed income: 4.025% for 2024, 4.125% for 2025, 4.2375% for 2026).
- • Encashment tax on foreign dividends paid through Irish paying agents: 20% in 2020, 25% from 2021.
- • ROS deadline printed on each report is the exact date Revenue announced for that filing year (e.g. 19 Nov 2021 for the 2020 return, 18 Nov 2026 for the 2025 return) — it applies to Form 11 filers who pay and file through ROS; a paper Form CG1 stays due 31 October.
⏰ Filing back-years late (2020 → 2025): what to expect
- • Late-filing surcharge (s.1084 TCA 1997): 5% of the tax (max €12,695) if the return arrives within two months of 31 October; 10% (max €63,485) after that. It applies to a late Form CG1 exactly as to a Form 11 (TDM 47-06-08), and it is charged on the tax before credit for CGT you paid directly — paying on time but filing late does not avoid it. A nil-liability year carries a nil surcharge but the return is still legally required.
- • Interest on late payment (s.1080 TCA 1997): 0.0219% per day (≈ 8% p.a., simple) from the original due date — 15 December / 31 January for CGT (no preliminary tax for CGT), 31 October of the following year for the income tax on dividends and interest in your first self-assessment year. From the second year on, unpaid preliminary tax pulls the income-tax due date back to 31 October of the tax year itself. A January–November 2020 gain paid in late 2026 carries roughly 45% interest plus the 10% surcharge.
- • Which form / where: CGT-only years go on that year's Form CG1 — a paper form (freepost to Revenue, Ennis; the November ROS extension never applies to it). Years with foreign dividends/interest above the €5,000 net / €30,000 gross non-PAYE limits need a Form 11: recent years are in ROS's Return Preparation Facility, older ones on the paper Form 11 for that year. Register for CGT in myAccount/ROS to pay.
- • Losses from unfiled years are not lost: Revenue's TDM 19-02-05 confirms a loss only has to be returned in the year it is used against a gain (CG1 "unused losses from prior years" line). Tax-Wizard's multi-year reports give you the loss trail; keep the broker statements that prove it.
- • 4-year limits (s.865 TCA 1997): refunds and reliefs must be claimed within four years of the end of the tax year — 2020 and 2021 overpayments (e.g. excess foreign-tax credit) are already time-barred, 2022 must be claimed by 31 December 2026. Revenue's own 4-year assessment window only starts once a full and true return is filed; an unfiled year stays open indefinitely (s.959AC).
- • Records: 6 years, counted from the end of the year in which the return is delivered (s.886) — a 2020 return filed in 2026 means keeping the 2020 statements until end-2032. Upload your full history to Tax-Wizard so FIFO cost basis, restricted 4-week losses and carried-forward losses flow correctly across years.
- • If several years show tax owed, an unprompted qualifying disclosure under Revenue's Code of Practice for Compliance Interventions (May 2022) caps tax-geared penalties at 3% (careless, no significant consequences), 5% or 10% — it must be in writing and accompanied by payment of the tax and interest; the s.1084 surcharge is not reduced by it.
📉 Loss Carryforward & Offsetting
CGT Losses
✅ Good News:
- - Can offset against CGT gains in same year
- - Unused losses carry forward INDEFINITELY
- - Can offset against future CGT gains
- - Can transfer to spouse/civil partner
⚠️ Requirements:
- - Must be claimed (don't expire but must file)
- - Keep records of all loss transactions
- - Records must be kept for 6 years
- - Can only offset capital gains (not other income)
⚠️ EXIT Tax Losses
This is one of the most criticized aspects of EXIT tax:
- - ETF losses CANNOT be offset against EXIT tax gains
- - ETF losses CANNOT be offset against CGT gains
- - Essentially worthless!
- - Major criticism of the EXIT tax regime
Crypto Losses
✅ Crypto losses are treated as CGT losses:
- - Can offset crypto gains
- - Can offset shares gains
- - Can offset property gains
- - Indefinite carryforward ✅
Example:
🔄 Wash Sale Rules (4-Week Rule)
Tax Planning & Loss Harvesting
What is the 4-Week Rule?
Ireland has an anti-avoidance rule (Section 581 TCA 1997) that restricts how capital losses can be used if you sell and quickly rebuy the same shares.
This prevents investors from artificially creating losses while maintaining the same investment position.
Profitable Shares
NO RESTRICTION - You can sell and immediately rebuy
Bed & Breakfast Strategy:
- - Sell profitable shares to use €1,270 exemption
- - Rebuy immediately (same day is fine)
- - Resets cost basis to current price
- - Legal and encouraged by tax advisors
This is a valuable tax planning tool to maximize your annual exemption.
Loss-Making Shares
4-WEEK RESTRICTION applies to loss harvesting
If you rebuy within 4 weeks:
- - The loss is restricted
- - Can ONLY offset against gains from those specific shares
- - Cannot offset against other shares/crypto/property gains
- - Must wait 4 weeks to avoid restriction
Wait at least 29 days (4 weeks + 1 day) before rebuying if you want unrestricted loss treatment.
Example: Loss Harvesting Gone Wrong
Scenario: You own 200 shares of Tesla
❌ WRONG Approach (4-week violation):
✅ CORRECT Approach (wait 4 weeks):
Comparison to Other Countries
🇮🇪 Ireland
4 weeks waiting period for losses
🇬🇧 UK
30 days bed and breakfasting rule
🇺🇸 USA
30 days wash sale rule (before or after)
💡 Tax Planning Tip:
Use the Bed & Breakfast strategy every year to reset your cost basis:
- 1. Identify positions with gains up to €1,270
- 2. Sell them near year-end (tax-free due to exemption)
- 3. Rebuy immediately (no waiting period for gains!)
- 4. Your new cost basis is the higher current price
- 5. Reduces future CGT liability
🔁 Restricted Losses Carry Forward Indefinitely - and We Track It Automatically
A 4-week-restricted loss doesn't disappear; it's ring-fenced. It can be carried forward indefinitely, but only to offset future gains on the same asset (same ISIN / ticker). It cannot offset gains on any other security or asset class, ever.
Because you re-upload your full transaction history every time you generate a report, Tax-Wizard simulates the carry-forward year by year automatically: it walks every year from your earliest detected wash sale up to the current tax year, applying restricted balances to same-ticker gains as they appear. A €720 DOGE loss restricted in 2021 will be applied to a €500 DOGE gain in 2023 (leaving €220 still restricted), and then to a further DOGE gain in 2025, all without any manual input from you.
On the CG1 Summary you'll see two separate lines when applicable: Current Year Restricted Losses (events that occurred this year) and Restricted Losses Brought Forward (auto, from prior years). Anything still unused after this year is shown as Restricted Losses to Carry Forward (auto-tracked) at the bottom of the summary - same-class only, indefinite.
Just keep your broker statements complete across years (which you'd do anyway for cost basis); the tool re-derives the carry-forward state on every run, so nothing to enter or remember.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this report directly with ROS?
The Tax-Wizard report is a helper tool to assist you in preparing your Form 11 or Form CG1. You must log into ROS and complete the official form using the figures from this report. The tool generates all the calculations you need, but you must file the official form yourself.
What calculation method does the tool use?
The tool uses the FIFO (First In, First Out) method as required by Irish Revenue. This means the shares/crypto you bought first are assumed to be sold first.
What is the CGT rate in Ireland?
The CGT rate is 33% with an annual exemption of €1,270. This applies to shares, non-EU ETFs, cryptocurrency, and property.
Can I carry forward losses?
Yes! CGT losses can be carried forward indefinitely. However, EXIT tax losses (from Irish/EU ETFs) CANNOT be offset against any gains.
What is EXIT tax?
EXIT tax is 38% on chargeable events from 1 January 2026 (Finance Act 2025) and was 41% for tax years 2014–2025 on Irish and EU-domiciled ETFs. It includes an 8-year deemed disposal rule where you pay tax on unrealized gains every 8 years.
What is deemed disposal?
Every 8 years you are "deemed" to have sold and rebought your ETF, triggering tax on unrealized gains. You must pay exit tax (41% to 2025, 38% from 2026) even if you never sold. This is one of Ireland's most controversial tax rules.
How do I know if my ETF has EXIT tax?
Check the ISIN code. If it starts with IE (Ireland), LU (Luxembourg), or other EU country codes, EXIT tax applies. US ETFs (starting with US) have CGT at 33% instead.
Are crypto-to-crypto trades taxable?
YES! Revenue has confirmed: Every crypto-to-crypto swap is a taxable event. Swapping BTC for ETH triggers CGT on the BTC disposal at 33%.
How is mining/staking taxed?
Mining and staking rewards are taxed as INCOME (not CGT) at 20-52% (income tax + PRSI + USC) at receipt. When you sell, you pay CGT at 33% on gains from the receipt value.
Do PRSI and USC apply to foreign dividends?
Yes, PRSI and USC DO apply to dividend income in Ireland, including foreign dividends.
For higher-rate taxpayers, the total effective rate is approximately 52% (40% income tax + ~4% PRSI + 8% USC).
Individual circumstances may vary. We recommend verifying your specific situation with Revenue at 01 738 3636 or a tax advisor.
Should I file Form 11 or Form CG1?
Use Form CG1 if you ONLY have capital gains. Use Form 11 if you have other income (self-employment, rental, dividends). Both forms are due by 31 October of the following year (Form 11 filers who pay & file on ROS get the mid-November extension — 18 November 2026 for 2025). The CGT itself is paid earlier: 15 December for January–November disposals and 31 January for December disposals.
What records must I keep?
You must keep records for 6 years: broker statements, transaction history, purchase/sale confirmations, dividend statements, crypto exchange records, this Tax-Wizard report.
Do I pay stamp duty on all share purchases?
No. You only pay 1% stamp duty when purchasing shares in Irish-registered companies (e.g., AIB, Bank of Ireland, CRH, Ryanair).
Foreign shares (Apple, Tesla, Microsoft) and ETFs have no Irish stamp duty.
Budget 2026 introduced an exemption for Irish companies with market value under €1 billion (effective 1 January 2026).
Can I sell at a loss and immediately rebuy to harvest the loss?
No - the 4-week rule applies. If you sell shares at a loss and rebuy the same shares within 4 weeks, the loss can ONLY be offset against future gains from those specific shares.
Wait at least 29 days (4 weeks + 1 day) before rebuying if you want the loss to offset any capital gains.
Note: This restriction does NOT apply to profitable shares - you can use the "bed & breakfast" strategy freely for gains.
What's the difference between DIRT and dividend tax?
DIRT (Deposit Interest Retention Tax):
- 33% flat rate on savings account interest
- Withheld by bank
- No further income tax or USC due
Dividend Tax:
- 20-40% income tax + ~4% PRSI + USC (up to 8%)
- Total: 26-52% depending on income level
- DWT (25%) may be withheld on Irish dividends
Are options and CFDs taxed differently from shares?
Yes - and it depends on whether you're "trading" or "investing":
If treated as investment: CGT at 33% with €1,270 exemption
If treated as trading: Income tax at 20-52% (income tax + PRSI + USC), no exemption
CFDs are usually considered speculative = income tax. Options taxation is complex and depends on granting, exercising, or letting lapse. Professional tax advice essential.
What is DWT and how does it affect my dividends?
DWT (Dividend Withholding Tax) is a 25% tax withheld by Irish companies before paying dividends.
For standard rate taxpayers: DWT (25%) exceeds your income tax liability (20%), so you may owe only PRSI + USC.
For higher rate taxpayers: DWT is a prepayment. You still owe additional income tax (15%) + PRSI + USC on top.
Can I use Tax-Wizard to file Irish returns for earlier years (2020, 2021, 2022…)?
Yes. The Ireland report supports every tax year from 2020. Upload your complete broker history once, then generate one report per year: each workbook only reports that year's disposals, dividends and interest, applies the rates in force that year (33% CGT and €1,270 exemption for all years; 41% exit tax up to 2025 and 38% from 2026; that year's DIRT, DWT, USC and PRSI), prints the exact ROS deadline for that filing year, and includes a "Tax Rules {year}" sheet explaining what changed. FIFO cost basis, 4-week restricted losses and carried-forward losses flow across years automatically.
Filing late? Expect the 5%/10% late-filing surcharge and 0.0219%/day interest on unpaid tax — see filing back-years late. Loss-making years still matter: the losses feed later years' returns and the reports give you the audit trail.
Did Irish investment taxes change between 2020 and 2026?
The core CGT rules did not: 33% rate, €1,270 annual exemption, FIFO, the 4-week rule, indefinite loss carry-forward and the 15 December / 31 January payment dates are identical for 2020 through 2026. DIRT (33%) and Irish DWT (25%) have also been flat since 1 January 2020.
What did change: the exit tax on Irish/EU funds fell from 41% to 38% for events from 1 January 2026; Revenue's blanket "US ETFs are CGT assets" guidance was withdrawn from 2022 (case-by-case since); encashment tax rose to 25% in 2021; the single standard-rate band rose from €35,300 (2020) to €44,000 (2025); USC bands widened each year; PRSI rose from 4% to 4.1% (Oct 2024), 4.2% (Oct 2025) and 4.35% (Oct 2026). The full table is in rules by year.
🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes. Here are the most common errors Irish investors make when filing taxes:
1. ❌ Not Keeping Records for 6 Years
The mistake: Deleting broker statements or not saving transaction confirmations.
Why it matters: Revenue can audit up to 4 years back (6 years if suspected issues). Without records, you can't prove your cost basis or transaction dates.
✅ Fix: Save ALL broker statements, PDFs, CSVs, and Tax-Wizard report. Store in cloud backup for 6 years minimum.
2. ❌ Missing the 8-Year Deemed Disposal Deadline
The mistake: Not tracking purchase dates for ETFs and forgetting the 8-year deadline.
Why it matters: EXIT tax (41% to 2025, 38% from 2026) is due even if you don't sell. Late payment incurs penalties and interest.
✅ Fix: Set calendar reminders for 7.5 years after each ETF purchase. Keep a spreadsheet tracking all ETF purchase dates.
3. ❌ Forgetting Stamp Duty on Irish Shares
The mistake: Not including the 1% stamp duty in cost basis calculations.
Why it matters: Your cost basis should include stamp duty. If you bought €10,000 of AIB shares, your cost basis is €10,100 (€10,000 + 1% stamp duty).
✅ Fix: Check broker statements for stamp duty charges. Add them to your cost basis to reduce taxable gains.
4. ❌ Violating the 4-Week Wash Sale Rule
The mistake: Selling shares at a loss and immediately rebuying to "harvest" the loss.
Why it matters: If you rebuy within 4 weeks, the loss can ONLY offset gains from those specific shares - not other investments.
✅ Fix: Wait 29 days (4 weeks + 1 day) before rebuying if you want unrestricted loss treatment. Or buy a similar (but not identical) investment instead.
5. ❌ Not Claiming Foreign Tax Credits
The mistake: Paying US withholding tax (15-30%) but not claiming credit against Irish tax.
Why it matters: You're entitled to a credit for foreign tax paid. Not claiming means you pay tax twice on the same income.
✅ Fix: Keep records of all withholding tax. Claim foreign tax credit on Form 11 (reduces Irish tax owed).
6. ❌ Confusing EXIT Tax with CGT
The mistake: Assuming all ETFs are taxed at 33% CGT.
Why it matters: Irish/EU ETFs (VWCE, CSPX) have 41% (38% from 2026) EXIT tax + deemed disposal. US ETFs (VOO, VTI) have 33% CGT with no deemed disposal. Huge difference!
✅ Fix: Check ISIN code. IE/LU/DE = EXIT tax. US = CGT. For new investors, consider US-domiciled ETFs for better tax treatment.
7. ❌ Not Using the Annual €1,270 Exemption
The mistake: Never realizing gains until you need to cash out completely.
Why it matters: You lose €1,270 of tax-free gains every year if you don't use it. Over 10 years, that's €12,700 wasted exemption.
✅ Fix: Use the "bed & breakfast" strategy annually. Sell positions with gains up to €1,270, then rebuy immediately. Tax-free cost basis reset.
8. ❌ Filing Form CG1 When You Should File Form 11
The mistake: Filing Form CG1 even though you have dividend income or other income sources.
Why it matters: Form CG1 is ONLY for capital gains. If you have dividends, rental income, or self-employment, you MUST file Form 11.
✅ Fix: Check all income sources. Any non-CGT income = Form 11 required. Form 11 deadline is earlier (Oct 31 / ROS mid-November).
9. ❌ DIY Complex Tax Situations
The mistake: Trying to handle options trading, derivatives, or 50+ transactions without professional help.
Why it matters: Complex situations (trading vs investment distinction, corporate actions, multi-currency) can result in significant errors and Revenue audits.
✅ Fix: Know your limits. This tool helps with standard scenarios. For complex situations, consult a qualified tax advisor BEFORE filing.
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- Poročilo s pridobitvami, realizacijami, dividendami in obrestmi
- Poročilo o odprtih pozicijah in statistika
- Statistika transakcij in dividend
- Izvoz odprtih pozicij v Yahoo Finance
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- Podpora za vse posrednike in valute
- Samodejni izračun kapitalskih dobičkov
- Poročilo s pridobitvami, realizacijami, dividendami in obrestmi
- Poročilo o odprtih pozicijah in statistika
- Statistika transakcij in dividend
- Izvoz odprtih pozicij v Yahoo Finance
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Tax-Wizard is a helper tool, not professional tax advice. You are solely responsible for your tax return.
Irish tax law is complex. We strongly recommend:
- - Consulting a qualified tax advisor or accountant
- - Verifying all calculations independently
- - Understanding your specific tax situation
- - Keeping detailed records of all transactions (6 years)
- - VERIFYING PRSI/USC treatment with Revenue (01 738 3636)
Always verify with Revenue.ie and professional advisors.
📚 Sources & References
This guide was compiled using the following official and authoritative sources (verified August 2026):
Official Government Sources
- Revenue.ie - Capital Gains Tax - CGT rates, exemptions, payment deadlines
- Revenue.ie - USC Rates & Thresholds - USC bands and rates 2022–2026
- Finance Act 2025, s.37 - exit tax 41% → 38% for chargeable events on/after 1 January 2026
- Revenue TDM 27-01A-03 - Exchange Traded Funds - US/non-Irish ETF guidance withdrawn from 1 January 2022 (eBrief 164/21), 8-year clock from 2022
- Revenue TDM 41-00-28 - A Guide to Self Assessment - CGT payment periods, ROS extension applies to Form 11 only, preliminary tax
- Revenue eBrief 034/26 - ROS Pay & File date for the 2025 return: 18 November 2026
- Revenue TDM 08-04-12 - Deposit interest income - EU/EEA deposit interest at 33% if returned on time; no USC on deposit interest
- Revenue TDM 19-02-05 - Allowable losses - losses are claimed in the year they are used
- Revenue TDM 47-06-08 - Surcharge for late returns - 5% / 10% late-filing surcharge, applies to Form CG1
- DSP SW14 - PRSI Contribution Rates 2026 - 4.2% → 4.35% from 1 October 2026, blended rates, Class S minimum
- Revenue.ie - DIRT Rates - Deposit Interest Retention Tax
- Revenue.ie - Dividend Withholding Tax - DWT rates and rules
- Revenue.ie - Filing Deadlines - Form 11 and CG1 deadlines
- Revenue.ie - Stamp Duty on Shares - Irish share stamp duty rules
- Citizens Information - CGT Guide - Public information on capital gains
- Revenue.ie - Dividend Income - PRSI/USC applicability on dividends
- Revenue.ie - Form 11 2024 - Official income tax return form
- Revenue.ie - Form CG1 Helpsheet - CGT return filing guidance
- Revenue.ie - Foreign Deposit Income - P2P and foreign interest taxation
Legal & Professional Sources
- Chartered Accountants Ireland - Section 581 TCA 1997 - 4-week wash sale rule legislation
- KPMG - Budget 2026 Tax Tables - Tax rate changes and updates
- Clearstream - Stamp Duty Relief 2026 - New stamp duty exemption announcement
- Money Guide Ireland - ETF Taxation - EXIT tax and deemed disposal rules
- Revenue TDM 02-01-03 - Cryptocurrency taxation guidance
- Koinly - Crypto Tax Ireland - Crypto staking and mining treatment
- Cloud Accounts - Deemed Disposals - ETF 8-year rule explained
- Accounts Advice Centre - CFD Taxation - Options and derivatives tax treatment
- Taxback - eToro Tax Guide - Broker-specific tax guidance
- Frugal Personal Finance - P2P Tax - P2P lending income taxation
Last verified: August 2026 (rules for tax years 2020–2026 cross-checked against Revenue and the Finance Acts). Tax laws change frequently. Always verify current rates with Revenue.ie before filing.