Cormac Devlin
Question:257. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Finance if consideration will be given to reviewing the deemed disposal tax on exchange traded funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5825/25]
View answerTuesday, 18 February 2025
Questions (257)
Written answers
The term “Exchange Traded Fund” or “ETF” is a general investment industry term that refers to a wide range of investments. ETF investments can take many different legal and regulatory forms even where they are established within the same jurisdiction.
An ETF is an investment fund that is traded on a regulated stock exchange. A typical ETF can be compared to a tracker fund in that it will seek to replicate a particular index.
There is no separate taxation regime specifically for ETFs. As collective investment funds, they generally come within the regimes set out in the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 for such funds. The domicile of the ETF will generally determine the applicable fund regime, specifically whether the ETF falls within the domestic fund regime or the offshore fund regime.
To assist taxpayers in determining the appropriate tax treatment for investments in ETFs, Revenue has published guidance which is available at www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-27/27-01a-03.pdf .
In October 2024, my predecessor published the ‘Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets’, a wide-ranging review of the funds and asset management sector. The Review fulfilled certain recommendations of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare 2022 report which called for, among other things, an examination of the taxation regime for funds and life assurance policies, with the goal of simplification and harmonisation where possible.
The Report arising from the Review sets out a series of recommendations to ensure that, in pursuit of continued growth in the funds and asset management sector, Ireland’s funds sector framework remains resilient, future-proofed, supportive of financial stability and a continued example of international best-practice. Recommendations 22 and 23 included consideration of the removal of the eight-year deemed disposal requirement for Irish domiciled funds and life products.
The 2025 Programme for Government has committed to progress and publish an implementation plan taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector in Ireland and I, working with my officials, will consider next steps in this regard over the coming months.