Ireland's new tax incentive investment accounts will exclude cryptocurrencies

Ireland is preparing to exclude cryptocurrencies from the government-designed personal investment accounts set to launch in 2027, which will allow savers to invest in listed stocks, bonds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The Irish government has classified cryptocurrencies and derivatives as "highly complex and higher-risk products" in its retail investment tax roadmap, and they will not be included in the scope of qualifying assets.

The new accounts will set a yet-to-be-determined tax-free threshold, with amounts above the threshold subject to a low tax rate based on annual average value, and the existing deemed-disposal regime (which taxes unrealized gains at a rate of 38% every eight years) will not apply to investments within the accounts. Account providers will be responsible for calculating, reporting, and paying taxes to the Irish Revenue Commissioners, and savers will not face minimum contribution amounts, holding period, or lock-in period restrictions.

The product list follows the European Commission's September 2025 recommendations regarding savings and investment accounts, which exclude high-risk and complex derivatives and cryptocurrencies, but with the exception of tokenized financial instruments. Tax rates, thresholds, and annual contribution limits are expected to be determined in the 2027 budget to be announced in October. Research from the Central Bank of Ireland shows that 38% of Irish households' financial assets are held in cash and deposits, higher than the EU average of 30%.