Written answers
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Tax Code
Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
332. To ask the Minister for Finance the thresholds and rates for Capital Acquisitions Tax; his views on the appropriate relationship for different categories of recipient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51919/25]
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is a beneficiary-based tax on gifts and inheritances that is payable on the value of the property received. For CAT purposes, the relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance (i.e. the disponer) and the person who receives it (i.e. the beneficiary) determines the maximum amount, known as the “Group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise. CAT is charged at a rate of 33% above each Group threshold.
There are three Group thresholds:
- the Group A threshold (currently €400,000) applies where the beneficiary is a child of the person giving the gift or inheritance
- the Group B threshold (currently €40,000) applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece, lineal ancestor or lineal descendant of the person giving the gift or inheritance
- the Group C threshold (currently €20,000) applies in all other cases.
A link to this year’s paper on Capital Taxes which includes some cost modelling can be found here: .
It should be noted that there would be a significant cost in making changes to CAT. The options available for setting CAT thresholds must be balanced against competing demands, and as part of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is a longstanding practice that the Minister for Finance does not comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
No comments