Ireland excludes crypto from new tax-advantaged investment accounts launching in 2027

Crypto left out of Ireland’s new tax-friendly savings plan

Ireland will exclude cryptocurrencies from its new tax-advantaged personal investment accounts set to launch in 2027, labeling them as “highly complex and risky products.”

The accounts, designed to encourage retail investment, will allow savers to hold listed stocks, bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are investment funds traded on stock exchanges. Investment providers will handle tax reporting and payments on behalf of investors.

How the accounts will work

A low flat tax rate will apply annually to the average value of investments above a threshold that has not yet been set. Contributions below that threshold will face no tax. The government will announce the tax rate, threshold, and annual contribution limit in Budget 2027 this October.

The new system replaces Ireland’s current “deemed-disposal” rule, which taxes unrealized gains on certain investments every eight years at a rate of 38%.

Why crypto is excluded

Ireland’s decision follows a September 2025 recommendation from the European Commission, which advised EU countries to exclude highly risky and complex products like cryptocurrencies and derivatives from such accounts. Tokenized versions of traditional financial instruments, such as stocks or bonds recorded on a blockchain, may still qualify if they meet other requirements.

Additional account features

• No minimum contribution, holding period, or lock-up requirements.
• Investors can transfer accounts between providers without triggering tax liability.
• Eligible investments include listed stocks, bonds, ETFs, and insurance-based products traded on regulated markets.

Sources

• CoinDesk