Strong income and corporation tax receipts contributed to an Exchequer surplus of €700 million for the first half of 2026.
Income tax take between January and June was €18.6bn, which was a 6.7% rise on the first six months of 2025.
June was also a big month for corporation tax receipts – with €7.5bn collected during the month.
On a cumulative basis, corporation tax take so far this year has reached €13.7bn, which is €600 million – or 4.7% – higher than for the first half of last year.
The latest Exchequer figures show that overall tax revenue between January and June amounted to €50bn, was marginally (+1.2%) ahead of the same period last year. However, if once-off tax receipts from the Apple tax windfall are excluded, total tax receipts were €2.3bn, or 4.8% higher.
Meanwhile, capital tax income fell year-on-year in the first half of 2026.
Stamp Duty receipts of €819m for the January-June period were down by €31m on 2025.
Capital gains tax receipts, at €409m, was also lower (down €60m) – as was capital acquisitions tax (down by €107m to €161m).
VAT receipts for H1 were up 2.3% to €12.5bn, reflecting robust consumer spending.
On the spending side, total exchequer expenditure in the first half of the year came in at €61.4bn, which consisted of gross voted and non-voted expenditure.
Total gross voted expenditure to so far this year is €54.4bn, which is €3.5bn (6.9%) ahead of the same period last year and 1% below forecast.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said the tax receipts for the first half of the year “are positive and very much in line with our expectations”.
He added: “Earlier this week, the Government confirmed that the temporary excise reductions on fuel will remain in place over the coming months, directly lowering prices at the pump.
“At the same time, we have established a pathway to gradually restore excise duty rates to pre-reduction levels, balancing the need to respond to the challenges of the moment with an approach to overall budgetary policy that remains safe and affordable.”
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers said the expenditure figures “reflect the Government’s continued investment in the public services and infrastructure that people rely on every day.
“As we move into the second half of the year, our focus will remain on ensuring that public funding is used effectively and delivers tangible outcomes for citizens, while continuing to manage the public finances in a sustainable and responsible manner.”
Commenting on the Exchequer returns, Tax & Legal partner at Deloitte Ireland Daryl Hanberry said: “Corporation tax receipts were up by 4.7% in June. Yet, total tax receipts grew by a more modest 1.2% which is concerning if the rest of the year continues in this manner.
“I expected to see the first Pillar Two filings in these receipts, following the biggest shake-up in international tax in years, but the Department of Finance has indicated they will be in July’s receipts.
“We therefore should see a large bump in CT receipts next month.
“While Ireland’s quarterly national accounts show strong growth MDD, there was a fall in GDP, which continues to highlight our reliance on FDI.
“It is imperative that the Government prioritises targeted support and spending for growing Domestic Direct Investment in its Summer Economic Statement, expected in just a few weeks.”
