Ireland Wealth Tax Guide 2026

Ireland does not impose a recurring net wealth tax. The closest equivalent is the Local Property Tax (LPT), an annual tax on residential property at 0.1–0.3% of market value. Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) at 33% acts as a wealth transfer tax on gifts and inheritances. Unlike many European countries, Ireland has no annual tax on financial assets, investments, or total net worth. All amounts in EUR.

For related guidance, see our Property Tax Guide →, Inheritance & Gift Guide →, and Investment Income Guide →.

No Net Wealth Tax in Ireland

Ireland does not have a general net wealth tax (impôt sur la fortune / wealth tax)
The Irish government abolished the previous wealth tax in 1978 and has not reintroduced it
There is no annual tax on financial assets (stocks, bonds, bank deposits), investment portfolios, or personal property
Ireland relies on income, consumption, and capital taxes rather than recurring wealth taxes

Local Property Tax (LPT) — Closest Equivalent

The Local Property Tax (LPT) is the closest Ireland has to an annual wealth tax
Applied annually at 0.1% to 0.3% of a residential property's market value
Only covers real estate — not financial assets, vehicles, or other wealth components
Collected by Revenue and distributed to local authorities
Exemptions apply to certain properties (e.g., charitable, unfinished estates)

CAT as a Wealth Transfer Tax

While there is no recurring wealth tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) at 33% acts as a wealth transfer tax
CAT applies to gifts and inheritances above group thresholds (Group A: €335k, Group B: €32.5k, Group C: €16.25k)
This taxes the transmission of wealth between generations, functioning similarly to an inheritance tax in other jurisdictions
Spousal transfers are fully exempt, and agricultural/business relief can reduce the taxable value by up to 90%

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

While not a wealth tax, CGT at 33% applies to gains on the disposal of assets
The annual exemption of €1,270 and principal private residence relief reduce the effective burden
Gains are taxed on realisation, not on unrealised appreciation, which differs from a pure wealth tax

International Context

Ireland is among a minority of OECD countries that do not impose a net wealth tax
Countries with wealth taxes include France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, and Belgium
Ireland's tax system instead relies on a broad-based income tax, high VAT (23%), and corporate tax (12.5%)
The lack of a wealth tax makes Ireland an attractive jurisdiction for high-net-worth individuals