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.
Self-employed tax calculator (Ireland, 2026)
Enter your annual profit (income after expenses) to see your take-home, what to set aside for Revenue, and your effective and marginal rates. It applies the self-employed rules in full: the earned-income credit, Class S PRSI with its €650 minimum, and the 3% USC surcharge on profit over €100,000.
Your annual profit
Your taxable profit after allowable business expenses — not your turnover.
Your biggest lever — relief at your marginal rate, within age-related limits.
After-tax take-home
€44,925
€3,743.72 a month · a year
You pay this through self-assessment: preliminary tax by 31 October, then the balance when you file your Form 11.
Class S PRSI at the 4.2375% full-year 2026 rate (4.2% to September, 4.35% from October), €650 minimum; 3% USC surcharge on profit over €100,000. Estimate only — check with an accountant for your exact position.
What's different from PAYE
- Earned income credit of €2,000 replaces the PAYE credit.
- Class S PRSI at 4.2% on your profits (4.35% from October 2026), with a €650 minimum and 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.