Image credit: Shutterstock
Ireland will exclude crypto assets and derivatives from a new tax-advantaged Investment Account due to launch in 2027, while allowing listed shares, bonds, ETFs, and other qualifying retail investment funds.
The government unveiled the framework on August 31 as part of its Roadmap for the Taxation of Retail Investment. It said crypto assets and derivatives were excluded because of their complexity and risk characteristics.
Shares, Bonds, and ETFs Qualify for 2027 Investment Accounts
Eligible assets will include listed shares, listed bonds, financial instruments traded on regulated markets and investment funds considered suitable for retail investors, including ETFs.
The accounts will be available to Irish tax residents aged 18 or older with a Personal Public Service Number. Each eligible person will be limited to one account.
There will be no minimum holding period or lock-in requirement, while the government also plans to allow accounts to move between providers without triggering tax where possible.
New Accounts Will Remove Eight-Year Deemed Disposal Rule
Investments held through the accounts will not be subject to Ireland’s existing eight-year deemed disposal regime, which can tax gains on certain investment funds even when they have not been sold.
Instead, each account will have a tax-free threshold, with a low flat annual tax rate applying above that level. Financial providers will calculate, report and pay the tax to Revenue for account holders.
The government has not yet disclosed the tax-free threshold, annual tax rate or contribution ceiling. Those figures are due with Budget 2027 on October 6.
Crypto Remains Subject to Ireland’s Existing Tax Rules
Excluding crypto from the Investment Account does not prevent Irish residents from buying or holding digital assets. It means those investments will not receive the preferential tax treatment or simplified administration available through the new structure.
Revenue says Ireland has no separate standalone tax regime for crypto assets, with treatment determined under existing tax rules according to the transaction and circumstances.
The government plans to establish the Investment Account through the Finance Bill before providers begin offering accounts in 2027. Crypto will remain outside the scheme unless lawmakers later expand the list of eligible investments.
