Ireland to Exclude Crypto From New Tax-Advantaged Investment Accounts

Ireland will exclude crypto from its new investment account scheme

Ireland's Department of Finance published a roadmap on 31 August 2026 for a new tax-advantaged Investment Account. The government plans to make the accounts available to residents in 2027. The scheme aims to encourage more retail investors to move savings from bank deposits into markets. Cryptocurrencies and complex derivatives will not be eligible. The roadmap classes them as highly complex and risky products. Eligible investments will include listed shares, listed bonds, instruments traded on regulated markets, and retail funds such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The plan follows a European Commission recommendation

The product list mirrors the European Commission's September 2025 recommendation on savings and investment accounts. That guidance asks European Union (EU) member states to keep out highly risky and complex derivatives and crypto assets. It makes an exception for tokenised versions of financial instruments that would otherwise qualify.

New accounts will not apply the deemed-disposal rule

The existing deemed-disposal regime will not apply to money held in the accounts. That rule treats certain investments as sold every eight years and taxes the gains at 38%. Account providers will instead calculate, report and pay any tax due to Ireland's Revenue Commissioners on behalf of investors. Eligible providers will include regulated investment firms and fund managers, including those authorised elsewhere in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Key tax terms are due in Budget 2027

The accounts will carry no tax below a threshold that the government has yet to set. A low flat rate will then apply each year to value above that threshold. Ireland plans to confirm the tax rate, threshold and annual contribution limit in Budget 2027 on 6 October. The accounts will be open to tax residents aged 18 and over who hold a personal public service number (PPSN). Only one account is allowed per person. Savers will face no minimum contribution, holding period or lock-up, and can move accounts between providers without a tax charge.

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