Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from United Kingdom to Ireland
UK and Ireland share history but differ on tax. UK has four brackets (0/20/40/45%) with £12,570 personal allowance. Ireland has two brackets (20/40%) plus USC (Universal Social Charge 0.5-8%) and PRSI (4%). At £50,000: UK ~£7,500 (15%), Ireland ~€11,500 (23%). UK saves £4,000. At £100,000: UK ~£27,500 (27.5%), Ireland ~€38,500 (38.5%). UK saves £11,000. UK wins at almost all income levels due to higher personal allowance and lower effective rates. Ireland's high rates kick in at €42,000 (~£36,000). But Ireland has much lower corporate tax (12.5% vs UK's 25%) attracting multinationals and tech. Dublin salaries in tech can offset tax difference. Choose UK if: you're employed, want London opportunities, or earn typical salaries. Choose Ireland if: you work at US tech companies (higher salaries), prefer Dublin lifestyle, or own a business.
Progressive
0/20/40/45% four brackets (£12,570 personal allowance)
Two-Rate
20% (to €42,000) / 40% (above) plus USC and PRSI
At £100,000 income:
That is £917/month back in your pocket!
| Income | GB Tax | IE Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £3,500 (11.7%) | €6,200 (20.7%) | UK saves £2,700 | £27,000 |
| £50,000 | £7,500 (15%) | €14,500 (29%) | UK saves £7,000 | £70,000 |
| £100,000 | £27,500 (27.5%) | €43,000 (43%) | UK saves £15,500 | £155,000 |
| £150,000 | £52,000 (34.7%) | €70,000 (46.7%) | UK saves £18,000 | £180,000 |
UK saves £3,000-18,000/year depending on income. At £50K: UK saves ~£7,000. At £100K: UK saves ~£15,500. Ireland's 40% rate plus USC (8%) plus PRSI (4%) = 52% marginal rate from €42K. UK's effective rates are much lower until very high incomes.
Universal Social Charge is an additional tax: 0.5% (to €12,012), 2% (to €25,760), 4% (to €70,044), 8% (above). Added to income tax 20-40%. At €100K income, USC alone is ~€6,000. This is why Ireland's effective rate is much higher than headline 20-40%.
Yes, US tech companies (Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft) pay Dublin staff well—often 20-40% above typical Irish salaries. A €120K+ tech salary is common. This can offset Ireland's higher taxes vs UK for tech workers specifically.
UK personal allowance (£12,570) is reduced £1 for every £2 earned over £100K. This creates an effective 60% marginal rate between £100-125K. At exactly £125,140, allowance is zero. This narrow band has worse effective rate than Ireland's 52%.
Ireland for corporations (12.5% vs UK's 25%). UK for sole traders and employees (lower personal tax rates). If building a company, Ireland's corporate rate is major advantage. If taking salary, UK wins. Many founders incorporate in Ireland, live in UK.