Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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565. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the exemption for CGT on the sale of shares from €1,270; the cost to the exchequer of such a change; if an evaluation of such a change can been made against the revenue return on the release of the equity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18904/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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In general, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is chargeable on a gain arising on the disposal of an asset, including a residential property, at the rate of 33%. The first €1,270 of chargeable gains of an individual in any year are exempt from CGT.

I understand that the Deputy has clarified the question by giving as an example the cost to the exchequer of an increase in the exemption from CGT from €1,270 to €5,000. I am advised by Revenue that it is extremely difficult to estimate the cost of increasing the personal exemption for CGT on the sale of shares from €1,270 to €5,000 due to the method that is used by Revenue to capture and store the data. In addition, any estimate will not reflect taxpayers’ behavioural changes that may occur.

However, they have tentatively estimated a figure of €20m based on information from CGT returns for 2022, the latest year available. This estimate comprises of approx. €15m for entities that only hold quoted and unquoted shares. They estimate an additional €5m for people who hold multiple asset types which could include shares.

As with all taxes, CGT is subject to ongoing review, which involves the consideration and assessment of the rate of CGT and the relevant reliefs and exemptions from CGT as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process, and this is considered in the wider tax policy context.