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Self-employed & contractors

Tax when you work for yourself

The rates are mostly the same as for employees, with a few differences that catch people out: a different tax credit, an extra USC charge on high earnings, and self-assessment instead of payroll. Here is how it fits together for 2026.

Estimate your take-home

The calculator below uses PAYE rates as a close guide. The main differences for the self-employed are the earned income credit (same €2,000 value) and the 3% USC surcharge once profits pass €100,000.

Your annual profit

€
Your situation
0% · €0

Your take-home

€44,925

€3,743.72 a month · a year

Gross income€60,000
Income tax20% / 40% less credits− €11,200
USC− €1,333
PRSI− €2,543
Net take-home€44,925
Effective rate25.1%
Marginal rate47.2%

Class A PRSI, 2026 bands. PRSI uses the full-year blended rate (4.2% to Sept, 4.35% from October). Estimate only — check against Revenue for your exact circumstances.

What's different from PAYE

  • Earned income credit of €2,000 replaces the PAYE credit.
  • Class S PRSI at 4% on your profits, with no employer contribution.
  • 3% USC surcharge on self-employed income above €100,000, giving an 11% top USC rate.
  • Self-assessment: you file a Form 11 and pay preliminary tax, rather than tax being deducted as you earn.
  • No employer pension or sick pay — which is why a personal pension and income protection matter more.

Pension relief is your biggest lever

A personal pension or PRSA reduces your income-tax bill at your marginal rate, within age-related limits of your earnings. For a self-employed higher earner it is the most effective way to cut tax — see how marginal-rate relief works.

Self-employed tax — common questions

How much tax do the self-employed pay in Ireland?
Self-employed people pay the same 20% and 40% income tax and the same USC bands as employees, plus Class S PRSI at 4%. There is an extra 3% USC surcharge on self-employed income above €100,000. You file and pay through self-assessment.
What is the earned income tax credit?
Self-employed people get the earned income credit of €2,000 in 2026, in place of the PAYE employee credit. With the €2,000 personal credit, that is €4,000 of credits — the same headline figure as a PAYE worker.
What is preliminary tax?
Under self-assessment you pay preliminary tax for the current year by 31 October (or mid-November online), alongside the balance for the previous year. It is normally 90% of the current year's bill or 100% of last year's.
Can the self-employed get income protection?
Yes, and it matters more, because the self-employed have no employer sick pay and limited PRSI-based benefits. Premiums get tax relief at your marginal rate.