Exchequer tax take up 4.2% in first four months of 2026

The growing economy has resulted in a 4.2% increase in taxes collected by the State so far this year, according to the Department of Finance.

Between January and April €27.9 billion was received in tax payments, Exchequer returns for April show - €1.1 billion more than in the same period of 2025.

Income tax rose by 5.7% to €12.3 billion in the year to the end of April, a sign that the jobs market remains strong.

Value Added Tax (VAT) was up 4.5% so far this year as consumer spending was healthy.

Overall the figures show the State received more in tax so far this year than last year, when payments following the Apple tax case made last year are excluded.

There was a €4.2 billion decline in the Exchequer balance in the first four months of the year due to payments to the Government's two long term savings funds.

Meanwhile spending rose by 8.9% in the first four months of this year to €36 billion.

Part of the rise was driven by extra fuel allowance payments made in April, as the Government extended period during which the support is paid to help social welfare recipients with rising fuel bills.

Due to timing issues there was also an additional pension payment day in April.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has been critical of Ireland’s growth in spending.

This year expenditure is forecast to rise by 7.2%, which is much faster than most other EU countries.

The Exchequer returns also show excise was down 1.8% this year, while corporation tax was up 8.6% in the period.

April is not a significant month for VAT or corporation tax payments.