How are forex profits taxed in Ireland?

Ireland taxes forex and CFD profits at 33% Capital Gains Tax, one of the highest flat CGT rates in the EU. The first EUR 1,270 of annual gains is exempt, losses carry forward indefinitely, and payment is due in two instalments (preliminary and balance) during the year of gain.

Tax Guide · 2026

Forex Tax in Ireland 2026

Capital gains, CFDs and spread betting — how Ireland taxes forex profits in 2026, the headline rate of 33% CGT, filing deadlines, and loss-offset rules enforced by Revenue Commissioners.

Ireland Forex Tax Rates 2026

The brackets, rates and thresholds that apply to forex and CFD profits in Ireland for the 2026 tax year.

Income Tier	Tax Rate	Threshold	Notes
All chargeable gains	33%	Above EUR 1,270	Flat CGT rate since 2012
Annual exemption	0%	First EUR 1,270	Per individual, per year
Preliminary instalment	n/a	15 December	For gains Jan-Nov
Balance instalment	n/a	31 January	For gains in December
Loss carry-forward	n/a	Indefinite	No time limit on carry-forward

Source: Revenue Commissioners. Rates apply to the 2026 tax year and are subject to change in national budget updates.

Key things Ireland forex traders need to know

1. Who administers forex tax in Ireland

The Revenue Commissioners is the primary authority responsible for collecting forex and CFD capital-gains tax in Ireland. Filings are made annually on Form 11 or Form CG1 with the deadline falling on 31 October (paper); mid-November ROS online. All records — broker statements, trade ledgers, and proof of any foreign withholding — should be retained for the statutory minimum period (typically 5-7 years).

2. How forex is classified versus CFDs

Forex and CFD trading profits are chargeable gains under the Capital Gains Tax Act. If Revenue determines trading is a trade in its own right, profits become Case I income taxed at up to 52% (income tax + USC + PRSI).

3. Spread betting status in Ireland

Spread betting profits in Ireland are generally exempt from CGT and income tax as betting winnings, following the same treatment as the UK. CFD profits by contrast fall fully under the 33% CGT rate.

4. Cryptocurrency treatment

Cryptocurrency gains are also CGT chargeable gains at 33%, subject to the same EUR 1,270 personal exemption. Frequent crypto trading can be reclassified as a trade under Revenue's badges-of-trade test.

5. Professional-trader reclassification

Revenue applies the badges-of-trade test to decide whether activity is a trade. If yes, profits move from CGT (33%) to Case I income tax at marginal rates up to 40% plus USC and PRSI.

Go deeper: full Ireland tax guide

This page is the 2026 headline summary. For an in-depth walkthrough including software recommendations, record-keeping checklists, and foreign-broker declaration workflows, visit the full deep dive.

Read the full Ireland tax deep dive

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I pay on forex profits in Ireland?

Forex and CFD profits in Ireland are taxed at 33% CGT under the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) regime, administered by Revenue Commissioners. The exact amount depends on your total capital income, any available allowances, and whether Ireland's progressive-scale or flat-rate option is more favourable in your specific circumstances.

Do I need to declare foreign-broker profits in Ireland?

Yes. Ireland residents must self-declare profits from CySEC-passported or other foreign-regulated brokers — they do not usually withhold local tax. Declaration is made annually on Form 11 or Form CG1 with a deadline of 31 October (paper); mid-November ROS online.

Is spread betting tax-free in Ireland?

Spread betting profits in Ireland are generally exempt from CGT and income tax as betting winnings, following the same treatment as the UK. CFD profits by contrast fall fully under the 33% CGT rate.

What happens if I am classified as a professional trader in Ireland?

Revenue applies the badges-of-trade test to decide whether activity is a trade. If yes, profits move from CGT (33%) to Case I income tax at marginal rates up to 40% plus USC and PRSI.

Reviewed by

Daniel Ferretti

Regulatory Affairs Editor · EU Financial Regulation Specialist

10+ years of experience · 28 articles

LLM International Financial Law, University of Luxembourg
Former CySEC Compliance Officer

CFD Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax rules change frequently and depend on personal circumstances — consult a qualified local tax adviser before making decisions about your forex or CFD trading activity.