In Ireland, the government charge a tax on the interest you receive on savings accounts in Ireland.
This tax is known as Deposit Interest Retention Tax or DIRT for short.
The rate of DIRT in 2023 is 33%
It has been this rate Since January 1st 2020
Banks deduct DIRT automatically from the interest paid on all deposit accounts held by Irish-residents.
Most State Savings accounts are free from DIRT .
See our page on the Best Interest Rates on Savings to find out more.
The exit tax on investments such as equity funds and ETF’s remains at a higher rate of 41% and shows no sign of being changed.
Taxation of Shares in Ireland
Profits from the sale of shares are not subject to DIRT.
Instead – gains on shares are subject to 33% Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
But – the first €1,270 of taxable gains in a tax year are exempt from CGT .
More information about CGT on Shares in Ireland
Tax on Share Dividends in Ireland
More about How and Where to Buy Shares in Ireland
Taxation of Cryptocurrency in Ireland
Rate History of Tax on Savings Interest in Ireland
Back in 2002 the rate of DIRT was just 20%. The government increased DIRT over the following years up to 41% in an attempt to try and encourage people to spend rather than save money.
As part of Budget 2017 ,the first reduction in DIRT since it was introduced was announced. (From Jan 1st 2017 it was 39%.)
DIRT Rates since 2002
- Current rate 33% from Jan 2020 onwards …
- 35% from Jan 2019 to Dec 2019
- 37% from Jan 2018 to Dec 2018
- 39% from Jan 2017 to Dec 2017
- 41% from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2016
- 33% from 1st January 2013 to the 31st December 2013
- 30% from the period 1st January 2012 to the 31st December 2012
- 27% from 1st January 2011 to the 31st December 2011
- 25% from 8th April 2009 to the 31st December 2010
- 23% from 1st January 2009 to the 7th April 2009
- 20% from 1st January 2002 to the 31st December 2008.
Exemptions from DIRT
You can receive interest without paying DIRT if you, your spouse or civil partner are:
- 65 years of age or over and your total income for the year, including the interest, is below the annual exemption limit. (Currently €18k per person)
OR - permanently incapacitated due to a physical or mental disability.
PRSI on Deposit Interest
If you earn interest of more than €5000 in a year – then you could be also liable for 4% PRSI . This would have to be declared and paid to Revenue – it is not deducted by the banks. More details on PRSI here