Introduction
You live in Ireland and wonder how your crypto is taxed? The framework comes down to two numbers: a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate of 33% on gains, and an annual personal exemption of €1,270. No bonus for how long you hold, as in Germany — here it's the annual exemption that eases the bill. This module explains it all, simply, so you stay compliant and calm. Important: this content is educational, not personalised tax advice — for your situation, consult an accountant or tax adviser.
The principle: CGT at 33% and the €1,270 exemption
In Ireland, gains realised on crypto fall under Capital Gains Tax (CGT), at a rate of 33%. It's the same rate as for most other gains (shares, property). Crypto has no special regime: it follows the standard CGT rules.
The second number matters just as much: an annual personal exemption of €1,270. In practice, the first €1,270 of net gains you realise in the year is exempt; only gains above that threshold are taxed at 33%. Unlike Germany, the holding period plays no role: whether you sell after 3 days or 5 years, the rate stays the same.
My small crypto gains are always tax-free.
Actually : Not quite. Only the first €1,270 of net gains a year is exempt. Above that, the part that exceeds it is taxed at 33%. The exemption shelters small amounts, but it doesn't wipe out tax on larger gains.
How the €1,270 exemption works
The annual exemption is assessed on the NET gain for the year: you add up your gains, subtract your losses, and it's that net result that's compared to the €1,270 threshold. As long as it stays below that amount, you pay no CGT.
It's an allowance, not a mere cliff threshold: if your net gain reaches €2,270, you're only taxed on the €1,000 above the €1,270 exempt, not on the whole amount. The exemption is also personal (per taxpayer) and annual: it renews each year and doesn't carry forward if you don't use it.
- Exemption assessed on the net gain (gains minus losses).
- Losses for the year reduce your taxable gains.
- €1,270 threshold: only the part above it is taxed at 33%.
- Annual and personal: it renews each year, it doesn't carry forward.
€1,270 a year, per person
The exemption is annual and specific to each taxpayer. It doesn't accumulate from one year to the next: any unused part of a year is lost. Spreading sales across several years can therefore, mechanically, use the exemption more than once.
Working out the taxable gain and the records to keep
The taxable gain is worked out simply: disposal proceeds (what you receive when you sell) minus acquisition cost (what you paid to buy, fees included). The difference is your gain; if it's negative, it's a loss that can offset other gains.
To support that calculation, keep a clean record of every operation: date and amount of purchase (the acquisition cost), date and amount of sale (the disposal proceeds). Without this record, you can't prove your acquisition cost — and so can't correctly compute your net gain. An export of your transactions makes filing far easier.
- Taxable gain = disposal proceeds − acquisition cost.
- Keep purchase dates and amounts (the acquisition cost).
- Keep sale dates and amounts (the disposal proceeds).
- Losses can offset the year's gains.
How to declare, and the role of a French account
In Ireland, it's up to you to declare your gains to Revenue (the tax authority, revenue.ie). Filing is done via the CGT return — the Form CG1, or online via myAccount / ROS. You report your net gains for the year there, once the €1,270 exemption has been applied.
Deblock is regulated in France, not in Ireland. That doesn't change your duty: as an Irish tax resident, it's up to you to declare your own gains to Revenue. The account doesn't declare on your behalf and removes no Irish filing obligation.
CGT payment deadlines and loss carry-forward rules have their own mechanics. At the slightest doubt about your situation, an accountant or tax adviser is the right call — this module is educational, not personalised advice.
- Declared to Revenue via the CGT return (Form CG1 or myAccount / ROS).
- Irish tax resident = you declare your own gains.
- Deblock regulated in France ≠ it declares for you.
What you should remember
- 01Crypto gains = Capital Gains Tax at 33%, whatever the holding period.
- 02The first €1,270 of net gains a year is exempt; only the excess is taxed at 33%.
- 03Taxable gain = disposal proceeds − acquisition cost; losses offset gains.
- 04Declared to Revenue (CG1 / myAccount / ROS). Educational content, not tax advice — consult an adviser.
Simplified calculation
- Annual gain ≤ €1,270: no tax.
- Annual gain > €1,270: 33% on the portion above the threshold.
- FIFO mandatory for sales.
- CG1 return (standard) or Form 11 (self-assessment).
Payment deadlines
Disposals Jan–Nov: pay by 15 Dec. Disposals in Dec: pay by 31 Jan next year.
Loss carry-forward
Crypto losses carry forward indefinitely against future gains but cannot offset other income.
No crypto PPR exemption
Unlike a principal private residence, crypto has no residence- or duration-linked relief.
Check with the local tax authority. This page stays educational and does not replace personalised advice.
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