How is crypto taxed in Ireland?

Ireland has no crypto-specific tax. Revenue applies existing rules, so selling crypto held as an investment usually falls under capital gains tax (CGT), while crypto earned through a trade or as payment can be income. Its guidance sits in Tax and Duty Manual Part 02-01-03.

How does crypto capital gains tax work in Ireland?

Revenue says whether buying and selling crypto is a trade depends on the facts, judged by the same tests used for shares. Without a trade, a sale, transfer or redemption is most likely a disposal for CGT.

The gain is the sale price minus the purchase price and allowable costs such as fees. Each person has a personal exemption of €1,270 a year, which can reduce a gain but cannot create a loss.

The rate changed in October 2026. Revenue says disposals from December 6, 2021 to October 6, 2026 were taxed at 33%, and the general rate is 31% for disposals from October 7, 2026. The cut was announced in Budget 2027 in early October 2026. Losses can be set against gains in the same year, and any excess carries forward. The guide to crypto losses and taxes covers the general idea.

How is crypto staking taxed in Ireland?

Revenue's manual does not address staking rewards directly. Under general principles, tax advisers commonly treat rewards as income at their euro value when received, usually as miscellaneous income under Case IV, or as trading income if the activity is a trade. Income tax, USC and PRSI may then apply through self-assessment.

The value at receipt becomes the cost for CGT when the tokens are later sold or swapped. The guide on whether crypto staking is taxable explains why countries differ on this.

Is a crypto airdrop taxed in Ireland?

Revenue has not issued specific rules for airdrops. Advisers say an airdrop received for nothing is often treated like a gift, with tax arising when the tokens are later disposed of. An airdrop given in return for a service, such as promotion, is generally treated as income at its market value on receipt. The guide to whether crypto airdrops are taxable covers the wider debate.

When is crypto tax paid in Ireland?

CGT has two payment deadlines:

1. gains made from January 1 to November 30 are paid by December 15 of the same year
2. gains made in December are paid by January 31 of the next year

The return declaring the gain is due by October 31 of the following year. Revenue says crypto records follow the normal rules, must be available on request, and should be kept for six years. Ireland's place among other countries is covered in crypto tax around the world.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the tax authority or a qualified professional for your own situation.