Ireland
Top Income Tax
40%
Marginal rate
Corporate Tax
15%
Standard rate
VAT / Sales Tax
23%
Standard rate
Capital Gains
33%
Standard rate
Overview
Ireland is a major tech and pharma hub with one of Europe's lowest corporate tax rates. While personal income taxes are moderate, the effective rate rises significantly with USC and PRSI. Dublin offers a vibrant startup ecosystem but high cost of living.
Income Tax Brackets
| Income Range (EUR) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 - 42,000 | 20% |
| 42,000+ | 40% |
Plus USC (Universal Social Charge) of 0.5-8% and PRSI of 4%.
Corporate Tax
Standard Rate
15%
Small Business Rate
15%
15% standard rate (increased from 12.5% for large multinationals under OECD Pillar Two). 12.5% still applies to companies under threshold.
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard Rate
23%
Reduced Rates
9%, 13.5%
9% on newspapers, e-publications. 13.5% on fuel, building services.
Capital Gains Tax
Standard Rate
33%
33% flat rate on gains. Annual exemption of 1,270 EUR.
Social Security Contributions
Employee
4%
Employer
11.05%
Self-Employed
4%
PRSI Class S for self-employed at 4%.
Special Tax Regimes
Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP)
30% income tax relief on employment income over 75k EUR for assignees.
Eligibility: Must be assigned to work in Ireland by a relevant employer. Minimum income 75k EUR.
Knowledge Development Box
Effective 6.25% rate on qualifying IP income.
Eligibility: Must have qualifying patents or copyrighted software developed in Ireland.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low corporate tax rate (12.5-15%)
- English-speaking EU country
- Strong tech sector
- Knowledge Development Box for IP
Cons
- High cost of living especially Dublin
- No digital nomad visa
- High effective personal tax with USC/PRSI
- Capital gains tax at 33%
Living Indicators
Cost of Living Index
Above average
Quality of Life Index
Good
Best For
Data Sources
Tax rate data for Ireland is compiled from the following authoritative sources:
- OECD Tax Database
- Tax Foundation International Tax Competitiveness Index
- World Bank Business Enabling Environment
- Ireland government tax authority publications
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries
Last verified: 2024-01
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional before making decisions about your tax residency or obligations.