European Union: Tax

Malta's Tax and Customs Administration has issued new guidance on the VAT treatment transition for gambling and betting services, effective October 1, 2026. The guidance addresses critical compliance considerations for gaming operators as previously exempt activities become taxable, including revenue stream mapping, contract management, input VAT recovery opportunities, and cross-border cost implications.

Ireland is introducing a new tax-efficient Investment Account from July 2027, allowing residents to invest up to €12,000 annually with a €50,000 tax-free threshold. The initiative aims to encourage retail investment by eliminating complex tax rules like deemed disposal and replacing them with a simplified 1% annual tax on amounts exceeding the threshold.

The Irish Budget for 2027 (“Budget 2027”) was announced by Minister Simon Harris on 6 October 2026. Budget 2027 contains a number of measures intended to support Ireland’s status as a leading financial and investment jurisdiction in Europe. International investors will welcome the introduction of reforms for the taxation of Irish corporates, the introduction of new rules to accommodate the Pillar Two side-by-side agreement with the US and the extensions to Irish tax provisions for tax credits.