What is DIRT in Ireland (2026)?
DIRT (Deposit Interest Retention Tax) is a withholding tax that is typically deducted from interest paid on Irish deposit accounts. The bank usually withholds it when interest is credited, and you receive the net amount.
What is the DIRT rate in 2026?
DIRT rate used here: 33%
This calculator uses a standard DIRT rate of 33% for typical deposit interest. Some products or personal circumstances may have different treatment, so treat this as an estimate and cross-check Revenue guidance for edge cases.
Is DIRT deducted automatically by the bank?
In many common cases, yes. DIRT is typically withheld at source when interest is paid or credited. Your statement often shows gross interest, DIRT withheld, and net interest.
When is DIRT applied: monthly vs annually credited interest?
DIRT is typically deducted when interest is credited. If interest is credited monthly, DIRT is usually withheld monthly and the net interest can compound sooner. If credited annually, withholding happens later.
Where do I see DIRT on my statement?
Many banks show deposit interest as a gross amount, a DIRT withheld amount, and the net interest credited. If your statement uses different labels, check the annual interest statement or the product terms.
Does DIRT apply to term deposits and regular savings accounts?
Many deposit products are treated similarly for DIRT purposes, but the timing of interest crediting can differ by product. If a product statement calls the return “interest”, DIRT withholding is common; confirm with the provider for special cases.
What if my interest rate changes over time?
This calculator assumes a single fixed annual rate for the full term. If your rate changes, a practical approach is to run separate scenarios for each period and combine the totals as a rough estimate.
What if the interest rate is 0% or negative?
If the rate is 0%, the projected interest is 0 and DIRT is 0. This tool blocks negative inputs and treats them as 0 for safety and clarity.
Does this calculator support monthly contributions or top-ups?
No. It models a single upfront deposit amount. If you add money regularly, the result can differ because each contribution earns interest for a different duration.
Does this calculator adjust for inflation?
No. It estimates nominal interest and nominal DIRT withholding based on your inputs. If you want a “real return” view, treat inflation as a separate scenario and compare outcomes across different assumed inflation rates.
Does DIRT apply to credit union dividends or interest?
Credit unions may describe returns as dividends or interest depending on the product and structure, and the tax treatment can differ. Use this tool for bank-style deposit interest estimates, and confirm how your credit union reports and taxes the return.
Can I use this calculator for credit union dividends?
You can use it as a benchmark for “what if the return is treated like deposit interest and DIRT is withheld”. Credit union products can differ, so confirm the actual treatment using your credit union documentation and Revenue guidance.
Are State Savings products DIRT-free?
Some State Savings products are generally treated as exempt from DIRT under current rules. Treatment can depend on the specific product, so consider this a scenario and cross-check with the official product documentation and Revenue guidance.
Are Prize Bonds subject to DIRT?
Prize Bonds do not pay deposit interest in the usual sense. Winnings can be treated differently from bank deposit interest. If you are comparing options, use this tool to understand deposit interest scenarios and check Revenue guidance for non-interest returns.
Can I get a DIRT refund or exemption?
Some people may qualify for exemption or a refund depending on income levels and personal circumstances (for example, certain over-65 or permanent incapacity scenarios). Eligibility and the process depend on Revenue rules, so treat this as an educational estimate and verify your case.
Does DIRT apply differently for joint accounts?
DIRT is typically withheld before the bank credits net interest to the account. How the net interest is split between holders for tax purposes can depend on ownership and circumstances, so use the calculator for the account-level estimate and confirm allocation rules if needed.
Do non-residents pay DIRT on Irish bank interest?
Some non-residents may be able to claim an exemption or a refund depending on residency status, bank procedures, and double tax agreements. If you are non-resident, treat the calculator as a planning estimate and confirm the correct treatment for your situation.
Why might DIRT still be withheld if I am non-resident?
A common reason is that the account is not set up as a non-resident account with the required declarations, or it is a joint account that changes eligibility. Confirm the authoritative rules on Revenue and then check the bank’s process for applying non-resident status.
Does this calculator cover foreign bank interest?
No. DIRT is typically withheld by Irish deposit takers. Foreign accounts usually will not withhold Irish DIRT, but you may still have an Irish tax obligation depending on your residence status and the income type.
Does DIRT replace income tax, USC, or PRSI?
DIRT is a withholding tax on deposit interest. It is separate from payroll deductions like PAYE, USC, and PRSI, and it does not describe the tax treatment of every investment type (for example, ETFs and shares can follow different rules).
Do I have to declare deposit interest if DIRT was already withheld?
It depends on whether you are required to file a return and how Revenue asks you to report “other income”. A practical approach is to keep the annual interest statement, and follow the Revenue guidance for declaring deposit interest for your filing type.
Where do I declare deposit interest (Form 11 vs PAYE return)?
Where you declare deposit interest depends on your filing route (for example, self-assessed vs PAYE). Use the official Revenue guidance for how to declare deposit interest and treat this tool as a planning estimate rather than filing instructions.
Is deposit interest taxed like CGT on shares?
No. Deposit interest is typically treated differently from investment gains taxed under CGT rules. Use this tool for deposit interest scenarios, and use CGT or ETF tools for other investment types.
What is the difference between Irish deposit interest and foreign deposit interest?
Irish deposit interest is often subject to DIRT withholding at source. Foreign deposit interest is usually declared by the taxpayer and may not have Irish DIRT withheld by the foreign bank. The correct treatment depends on residence and the income type, so follow Revenue guidance.
Is this calculator an official Revenue calculation?
No. It provides estimates for planning. The correct tax treatment can depend on product terms and personal circumstances, so confirm your position using Revenue guidance or a qualified adviser where needed.
How do I use this calculator for a quick estimate?
Enter the deposit amount, the gross annual interest rate, and the term. If you know whether interest is credited monthly or annually, set that in Advanced to see the effect of compounding and withholding timing.
What does this calculator not include?
It focuses on a simple deposit interest projection with DIRT withholding. It does not model changing rates, fees, inflation, multiple deposits over time, or every edge-case tax treatment for special products.