Ireland bars crypto from new tax-advantaged investment accounts

Ireland is preparing to exclude cryptocurrencies from new government-designed personal investment accounts due to launch in 2027. The accounts would allow listed stocks. The accounts would allow listed bonds. The accounts would allow exchange-traded funds. The accounts would carry no tax below a threshold that has yet to be set. A low flat rate would apply annually to the average value above that threshold, including contributions. The tax rate, threshold and annual contribution limit are due to be announced in October's Budget 2027. The initiative would replace the eight-year deemed-disposal rule for investments held in the accounts. The existing rule treats certain investments as if they were sold every eight years. The existing rule taxes unrealized gains at 38%. The product list follows the European Commission's September 2025 recommendation for savings and investment accounts. The guidance calls for excluding highly risky and complex derivatives and cryptocurrencies. The guidance makes an exception for tokenized versions of financial instruments that would otherwise qualify. Eligible investments would also include instruments traded on regulated markets. Eligible investments would include retail investment funds. Eligible investments would include insurance-based investment products.