Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT)

Who is charged DIRT?

DIRT is deducted from the interest paid on all deposit accounts held by Irish-resident individuals.

DIRT rate

The DIRT rate since 2020 is 33% of your total interest. The DIRT rates for past years are:

• 35% for 2019
• 37% for 2018
• 39% for 2017
• 41% for 2016, 2015 and 2014
• 33% for 2013.

Higher DIRT rate

A higher rate of DIRT (standard DIRT rate plus 3%) applied to certain interest up until 31 December 2013. The higher rate was 36% in 2013. This applied to interest that was either:

• not paid annually or more frequently
• or
• not determined until the date of payment of the interest.

Interest from accounts in other European Union (EU) Member States and from non-EU countries

If you receive interest from an account in another EU Member State, you must pay the current DIRT rate on the interest income. You must include the details of this on your annual tax return. The income will be subject to a higher rate of 40% tax if it is not returned on time.

Deposit interest from non-EU countries will be taxed at the current DIRT rate if you:

• are a standard rate taxpayer
• and
• have made a timely return.

If you are a higher rate taxpayer or you have not made a timely return, a DIRT rate of 40% will apply.

Next: Who is exempt from DIRT?