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Investment Tax Calculator (Ireland)

Free tool · Ireland•Free · no sign-up•2026 rates · Updated 16 August 2026

PZak Carolan · The People's PocketFigures verified at source · free, no sign-up

Ireland taxes investments in a way that catches people out — especially the 8-year deemed disposal rule, where you're taxed on a gain you haven't cashed in. This free calculator compares what you'd actually keep from an ETF, from shares, and from savings, using the 2026 rates. It runs entirely on your device; nothing is saved.

Work out the tax on your investment

About 20 seconds. Nothing is saved or shared — it all runs on your device.

What are you putting money into?

Amount invested (€)

Expected growth / interest (% a year) An illustration only — nobody can promise a return.

Years you'll hold it

Uses 2026 rates: 38% exit tax on funds (with deemed disposal every 8 years), 33% CGT on shares with a €1,270 annual exemption, and 33% DIRT on deposit interest. An illustration, not advice.

The rule that catches Irish investors out

In most countries you're taxed on an investment when you sell it. Ireland is different. If you hold an ETF or investment fund, Revenue applies something called deemed disposal: on the 8th anniversary of buying, you're taxed as though you sold — even though you didn't, and even though you haven't seen a cent.

What that means in practice: you get a tax bill in real cash for a profit that's still on paper. Some people have to sell part of their investment just to pay it — which stops their money compounding. Then it happens again at year 16, year 24, and so on.

The three tax rates that matter (2026)

Funds and ETFs — 38% exit tax. Cut from 41% in Budget 2026, effective 1 January 2026. Deemed disposal applies every 8 years. There's no €1,270 exemption, and you can't offset losses from one fund against gains on another.
Shares — 33% Capital Gains Tax. Only when you sell. Your first €1,270 of gains each year is exempt, and losses can be offset against gains.
Savings — 33% DIRT. Deducted by your bank automatically on any interest.

Why a pension usually beats both

This is the part most people miss. Inside a pension, your money grows with no annual tax, no exit tax and no deemed disposal — and your contributions get income-tax relief at your marginal rate on the way in. For most people in Ireland, filling the pension first is the most tax-efficient thing they can do with long-term money.

Common questions

What is deemed disposal in Ireland?

It's a rule that treats your ETF or investment fund as if you sold it every 8 years. You pay exit tax on the paper gain even though you haven't sold and haven't received any money. A credit applies later so you're not taxed twice, but you still have to find the cash at year 8.

What is the exit tax rate in Ireland in 2026?

38%. It was cut from 41% in Budget 2026, effective 1 January 2026 — the first reduction in over a decade. It applies both when you sell a fund and at each 8-year deemed disposal.

Is it better to buy shares or ETFs in Ireland?

Purely on tax, individual shares are treated more kindly: 33% CGT, only when you sell, with a €1,270 annual exemption and the ability to offset losses. ETFs are simpler and more diversified but carry 38% exit tax and deemed disposal. It's a genuine trade-off — this isn't advice.

Do I pay tax on savings interest in Ireland?

Yes — DIRT at 33%, taken automatically by your bank. People over 65 on modest incomes, and some savers aged 18–25, have limited exemptions.

How do I avoid deemed disposal?

You can't avoid it on a fund you hold for 8+ years. People commonly reduce its impact by using a pension (no exit tax, no deemed disposal) for long-term money, or by holding individual shares or investment trusts, which are taxed under CGT instead. Get advice for your own situation.

Check the official sources

This is a free estimate to help you understand your options — not financial, tax or investment advice. Rules, rates and thresholds change. Always confirm with the official source before acting.

Make sure you're not missing free money first

Before investing, it's worth checking you're claiming everything you're already entitled to — most people are owed something.

Check what you're owed →