What each tax applies to
These rules affect where your money compounds best. Pension and product structure choices can materially change net outcomes over long periods.
Deposit Interest Retention Tax
DIRT applies to interest earned in most bank and credit union deposit accounts. Institutions generally deduct it automatically, so what lands in your account is already net of tax.
Capital Gains Tax
CGT applies to gains on disposals of assets such as shares and some other investments. The annual exemption is EUR 1,270, which does not carry forward to the next year.
Investment Funds and ETFs
For individual investors in 2026, Exit Tax is 38% on relevant ETF and fund gains. The deemed disposal event at year 8 can trigger tax even without a sale.
Payment and filing dates
CGT in Ireland has split payment dates during the tax year and a separate annual return deadline. This is where many investors make avoidable compliance errors.
| What happened | Disposal window | Payment due | Return deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gain realised | 1 Jan to 30 Nov | 15 Dec (same year) | 31 Oct (following year) | Preliminary payment due before year end for most disposals. |
| Gain realised | 1 Dec to 31 Dec | 31 Jan (following year) | 31 Oct (following year) | Separate January payment window for December disposals. |
| All disposals in the year | Full tax year | Already paid above | 31 Oct (following year) | Report gains, losses, and exemptions on your annual return. |
How deemed disposal works
Deemed disposal means an ETF can be treated as if sold every 8 years for tax purposes, even when you continue holding it. That can create a tax bill without a cash sale.
Record purchase details
Store contract note date, quantity, and total cost for each ETF buy lot. Each lot has its own independent 8-year clock.
Reach year 8 anniversary
At 8 years, compute the gain as if disposed at market value on that date.
No sale is required for the tax event to arise.
Apply Exit Tax rate
For individual investors, apply the 38% Exit Tax rate. This is separate from CGT — do not confuse the two.
Reset base cost
After paying tax on deemed disposal, the value used for tax is effectively stepped up. Keep records of each event.
- Track ETF lots separately: each purchase has its own 8-year clock — don't average across lots.
- Set calendar reminders: add alerts for CGT payment (15 Dec, 31 Jan) and return (31 Oct) deadlines.
- Keep all records: annual statements, contract notes, and tax calculations for each deemed disposal event.
- Cross-check Revenue guidance: rules can change and may differ by instrument structure and domicile.
Irish tax questions people ask most
These short answers mirror the core terms searched by Irish savers and investors.
What is DIRT in Ireland?
DIRT is generally a 33% tax deducted at source from deposit interest by banks and similar savings providers.
When do you pay CGT in Ireland?
CGT is generally paid by 15 December for disposals from January to November and by 31 January for December disposals, with an annual return due by 31 October in the following year.
What is ETF deemed disposal in Ireland?
For relevant ETFs and funds, deemed disposal can trigger a tax event every 8 years even without selling, and gains are taxed at the applicable Exit Tax rate.
Is this tax page financial advice?
No. This page is educational. Use it to prepare questions and records, then confirm your specific filing position with Revenue or a qualified adviser.