Self-employed income is taxed through the self-assessment system. You pay income tax (20% / 40%), USC on the same bands as employees, and Class S PRSI at 4%. The key difference from PAYE is that you do not receive the PAYE Tax Credit (€1,875), which means you pay slightly more income tax at equivalent earnings than a salaried employee.
Self-Employed Tax Calculator Ireland 2026
Calculate your income tax, USC, and Class S PRSI as a sole trader or freelancer. Enter turnover and expenses.
Self-employed tax at a glance
- Income tax: 20% (up to €42,000 net profit) / 40% above
- Personal Credit: €1,875 — no PAYE Credit for self-employed
- USC: same bands as employees (0.5%/2%/4%/8%)
- Class S PRSI: 4% of net profit (minimum €500/year)
- Surcharge: +3% USC on self-employed income over €100,000
Calculate Self-Employed Tax
Your Self-Employed Tax Breakdown
Gross Turnover
–
Business Expenses
–
Taxable Profit
–
Income Tax
–
USC
–
PRSI (Class S)
–
Total Tax Due
–
Net Income After Tax
–
Effective Tax Rate
–
Important: This estimate does not include pension contributions (which would reduce taxable income), additional credits, capital allowances, or the 3% USC surcharge on income above €100,000. Set aside approximately 30–35% of net profit for tax as a general rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Self-employed income above €100,000 in any tax year is subject to an additional 3% USC surcharge. This applies to the income above €100,000 only. It is on top of the standard 8% USC rate that applies to income between €70,044 and €100,000.
Yes. You can deduct allowable business expenses from your gross income before calculating your tax liability. Common deductions include: premises costs, equipment, motor expenses (partial), telephone and internet, professional subscriptions, accountancy fees, and marketing costs.
The annual return (Form 11) and full tax payment must be made by 31 October. If you file online via ROS (Revenue Online Service), the deadline extends to mid-November. Preliminary tax must also be paid by 31 October each year.
Yes. Self-employed people pay Class S PRSI at 4% on all net earnings (after expenses). There is a minimum annual contribution of €500. Class S gives entitlement to Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit, and the Contributory State Pension, but not Jobseeker's Benefit or Illness Benefit.
Legal ways to reduce your liability include: maximising allowable business expenses, making pension contributions (full relief available), claiming all relevant tax credits, using capital allowances on equipment purchases, and structuring your income if married. A tax adviser can identify all available reliefs for your specific situation.
Official Sources
This calculator is based on legislation and guidance from the following official sources:
-
Revenue.ie — Self-assessment
Revenue guide to self-assessment for sole traders.
-
Revenue.ie — Allowable expenses
What business expenses are allowable for tax purposes.
-
Revenue.ie — Preliminary tax
Guide to paying preliminary tax on time.
Need an exact calculation?
IrishTaxTools provides estimates. D’Emilia Accounting can review your complete circumstances and provide professional assistance with Irish tax, payroll, VAT, bookkeeping and compliance.