Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Ireland to UK
The hidden trap: Ireland's 40% kicks in at just €42,000 (~£36,000) vs UK's 40% at £50,270. A €80,000 earner pays ~€28,000 total tax in Ireland (income + USC + PRSI) vs ~£18,000 in UK. But Ireland offers: EU access post-Brexit, 12.5% corporate tax (tech hub), and no UK's 60% trap. Choose Ireland if: you want EU residency or tech sector jobs. Choose UK if: earning under £50,000 or need London finance access.
Higher Rate
Plus USC and PRSI
Additional Rate
Plus National Insurance
At $100,000 income:
That is $417/month back in your pocket!
| Income | IE Tax | UK Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,500 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| $75,000 | $4,500 | $2,800 | $1,700 | $17,000 |
| $100,000 | $7,000 | $4,000 | $3,000 | $30,000 |
| $150,000 | $12,000 | $7,000 | $5,000 | $50,000 |
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Hiring Internationally? Deel Handles Compliance →UK wins significantly. In Ireland, €80,000 pays roughly €28,000 in combined tax (income tax + 8% USC + 4% PRSI). In UK, £68,000 (equivalent) pays about £18,000 (income tax + NI). That's ~€10,000 more take-home in the UK. Ireland's 40% bracket starting at just €42,000 is the culprit.
Universal Social Charge (USC) is Ireland's additional tax on gross income: 0.5% on first €12,012, 2% up to €25,760, 4% up to €70,044, and 8% above that. Unlike income tax, USC applies from euro one with no credits or allowances. On €80,000 income, expect ~€4,400 in USC alone. UK has no equivalent surcharge.
Between £100,000-£125,140, UK taxpayers lose £1 of personal allowance for every £2 earned. This means you pay 40% tax PLUS effectively lose £12,570 of tax-free income. The marginal rate hits 60% in this band. Ireland has no equivalent trap—its rates are straightforward, just higher overall.
Ireland—especially Dublin. Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and most US tech giants have EMEA HQs there. Salaries are competitive (€100K+ for senior engineers), and Ireland's 12.5% corporate tax makes stock options more favorable. UK has good tech jobs too, but post-Brexit, fewer companies use London as EU base.
Yes—the Common Travel Area (CTA) predates Brexit and remains intact. Irish and UK citizens can live, work, and access benefits in either country without visas. You're taxed based on residency (183+ days rule). This makes Ireland attractive: keep EU rights while accessing UK market via CTA.