Universal Social Charge

Thursday, 19 February 2026

Questions (269, 271)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

269. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost of removing USC on the first €45,000 in income in 2026. [13949/26]

View answer

Pearse Doherty

Question:

271. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost of removing the USC on the first €40,000 in income in 2026 on a first and full-year basis. [13965/26]

View answer

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 271 together.

I am advised by Revenue that the estimated cost for removing the Universal Social Charge (USC) on all income up to €40,000 as per the proposal outlined by the Deputy, on a first and full year basis, is €1.44 billion and €1.66 billion respectively.

I am further advised that the estimated cost for removing the Universal Social Charge (USC) on all income up to €45,000 as per the proposal outlined by the Deputy, on a first and full year basis, is €1.63 billion and €1.87 billion respectively.

These cost estimates are for 2026 and are based on Revenue’s micro-simulation tool, Tax Modeller, using actual data for the latest year available, currently 2023, adjusted for income and employment trends in the interim.