For 2024, the Irish Exchequer recorded a surplus of €12.8 billion, up €11.6 billion from 2023, largely reflecting the transfer of once-off receipts from the Apple case. Total tax receipts of €108 billion were collected in 2024, with the main sources of income broken down as follows:
- Income tax receipts of €35.1 billion were collected. This figure is €2.2 billion, or 6.6 percent ahead of 2023, reflecting earnings growth and strong employment.
- Corporation tax receipts of €39.1 billion were collected. This figure is €15.2 billion, or 63.9 percent ahead of the previous year, with the bulk of the increase arising from the Apple case.
- VAT receipts of €21.8 billion were collected. This figure is €1.5 billion, or 7.3 percent ahead of 2023, reflecting solid consumer spending.
Commenting on the figures, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers TD said:
“The end-year figures are affected by one-off receipts arising from the Court of Justice of the European Union and so it is important to dig below the surface. When we do this, we see solid growth in income tax and VAT receipts last year; these trends demonstrate the underlying strength of our economy.
Looking ahead, there are clearly identifiable risks on the horizon. Navigating through these will require a greater focus on competitiveness and on getting the basics right – especially in areas like energy, water, transport and housing. This is why Government is committed to using the proceeds of the CJEU ruling to expand infrastructure in these critical areas.”