Receiving a gift or inheritance can come with tax obligations that many people may not be aware of. In Ireland, you may be required to file a Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) return with Revenue, even if no tax is ultimately payable.

With the extended 2026 CAT filing deadline of 18 November 2026 approaching, it’s important to understand whether you need to submit a return and what steps you should take to remain compliant.

What Is Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT)?

Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) is a tax that applies to certain gifts and inheritances received in Ireland.

CAT is currently charged at a rate of 33% on the taxable value exceeding the relevant tax-free threshold, after accounting for any applicable exemptions and reliefs.

The amount of tax you may owe depends on several factors, including your relationship to the person providing the gift or inheritance, the value of the assets received and any previous gifts or inheritances that must be taken into account.

Importantly, even where the value received falls within your tax-free threshold, you may still have an obligation to file a CAT return.

When Are You Required to File a CAT Return?

You may be required to submit a Form IT38 (Capital Acquisitions Tax Return) to Revenue in the following circumstances:

1. You have exceeded 80% of your tax-free threshold: If the aggregate taxable value of relevant gifts and inheritances received exceeds 80% of your applicable group threshold, you are generally required to file a CAT return, even if no tax is payable.

2. You have a Capital Acquisitions Tax liability: Where the value of a gift or inheritance exceeds your available tax-free threshold, CAT may become payable and a return will generally be required.

3. You are claiming certain tax reliefs: Some reliefs, including Business Relief and Agricultural Relief, may require a CAT return to be submitted even where the relief reduces or eliminates the tax liability.

It’s also important to remember that previous gifts and inheritances can affect your available threshold and filing obligations.

What Are the CAT Filing Deadlines for 2026?

The standard CAT filing and payment deadline is 31 October each year. The relevant filing period is determined by the valuation date of the gift or inheritance.

For the 2026 filing period, the key dates are:

• 31 October 2026: Standard filing and payment deadline for gifts and inheritances with valuation dates between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026.

• 18 November 2026: Extended deadline where both the CAT return and any applicable payment are completed through Revenue Online Service (ROS).

Gifts and inheritances with valuation dates from 1 September 2026 onwards will generally fall into the 2027 filing period.

With the standard 2026 deadline now passed, individuals who qualify for the ROS extension should ensure their returns and any outstanding payments are completed by 18 November 2026.

Why Is It Important to Review Your CAT Obligations?

Failing to understand your CAT obligations can result in missed filing deadlines, unexpected tax liabilities and potential interest or penalties. Even if you believe your gift or inheritance is below the tax-free threshold, it’s worth reviewing your position to determine whether a return is required.

A review can also help identify exemptions and reliefs that may be available, ensuring you do not pay more tax than necessary.

How Can Gallagher Keane Help?

At Gallagher Keane, we assist individuals in understanding and managing their Capital Acquisitions Tax obligations. Our team can help with:

• Determining whether a CAT return is required.

• Preparing and submitting Form IT38 to Revenue.

• Reviewing applicable tax-free thresholds, exemptions and reliefs.

• Calculating any gift or inheritance tax liabilities.

• Ensuring compliance with Revenue filing and payment deadlines.

Whether you have recently received a gift or inheritance or are unsure about your filing requirements, our team can provide practical advice based on your circumstances.

Contact us

Have you received a gift or inheritance and are unsure whether you need to file a CAT return? With the extended 2026 filing deadline approaching, now is a good time to review your obligations. Contact Gallagher Keane for professional advice and assistance with your Capital Acquisitions Tax requirements.

Email: info@gallagherkeane.ie