Who can open one?
The Department of Finance Budget document says the account will be available to individuals who are resident in Ireland, aged 18 or over and have a PPS number. Only one account will be allowed per person at launch.
Contribution and tax limits
| Rule announced | Planned treatment |
|---|---|
| Annual contribution limit | €12,000 |
| Tax-free threshold | First €50,000 of account value |
| Annual tax | 1% on account value above €50,000 |
| Valuation | Average of daily account values |
This is a tax on value above the threshold, not simply a tax on withdrawals. The final legislation will determine the detailed calculation and timing.
What can the account hold?
The announced categories are shares, bonds, investment funds and insurance-based investment products. ETFs are investment funds, but whether a particular ETF can be offered will depend on the final rules and the provider’s product range.
Eligible providers are expected to include MiFID-authorised investment firms, regulated fund managers and insurance companies.
How is this different from investing normally?
Outside the account, tax depends on the investment. Direct shares can fall under Capital Gains Tax, while many Irish and equivalent offshore funds are taxed under a separate exit-tax system with an eight-year deemed-disposal rule. Inside the new account, the announced treatment is a 1% annual tax on value above €50,000.
The Department of Finance says existing retail-investment tax regimes, including the eight-year deemed-disposal rule, will not apply inside the account. Providers will report, administer and pay any account tax to Revenue, under the proposed framework. The Bill also provides for circumstances where the investor may have to discharge unpaid account tax.
What is still not confirmed?
Finance (No. 2) Bill 2026 (Bill 98 of 2026) was published on 19 October 2026. As checked on 29 October 2026, it has not been enacted. Sections 26 and 27 propose the Investment Account tax framework, including account transfers, treatment on death and tax administration. The draft also addresses withdrawals, so these matters are no longer simply awaiting publication of the Bill. Its provisions remain proposals and may change during the legislative process. Enactment, commencement arrangements and provider readiness are still required; provider fees and launch-day availability must be checked with providers.
Do not move or sell an existing investment based only on the announcement. Wait for enacted rules and provider terms.