What is the €5,000 non-PAYE threshold in Ireland?

If your non-PAYE income exceeds €5,000 in a tax year, you are generally required to file a Form 11 (self-assessment). This includes equity income not processed through payroll.

If my employer withheld tax on RSUs, do I need Form 11?

Not necessarily — if all equity income was processed through payroll and your only non-PAYE income is below €5,000, Form 12 (PAYE return) may be sufficient. But other income sources can still trigger self-assessment.

What documents should I keep for equity reporting?

Keep vesting statements, payslips for vest months, payroll summaries, broker statements, and trade confirmations. These help reconcile income treatment and establish cost basis for future CGT.

Updated 2026-02-09·9 min read

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Form 11 vs Form 12 for Equity Income — Ireland 2026

If your non-PAYE income exceeds €5,000 in a tax year, Form 11 (self-assessment) is required. Equity processed through Irish payroll doesn't count toward this threshold. Use the Equity Management tool to estimate your vesting value and check your position.

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Form 11 vs Form 12 — Key Numbers {Y}

€5,000 non-PAYE income = Form 11 trigger

If your non-PAYE income (including unprocessed equity) exceeds €5,000, you must file Form 11 (self-assessment). Below that, Form 12 may suffice.

Equity processed through payroll = lower risk

If RSU vesting is fully processed through Irish payroll (PAYE/USC/PRSI already applied), the equity income is PAYE income, not non-PAYE. Check your vest-month payslip to confirm withholding.

Model your equity with the Equity Management tool

Use the Equity Management tool to estimate your vesting value and withholding. Check if your total non-PAYE equity income exceeds the €5,000 threshold.

1) Start with what was processed through payroll

Many employers withhold PAYE, USC, and PRSI at RSU vesting through Irish payroll. If the vest is fully processed via payroll, the equity income is classified as PAYE income — it does NOT count toward the €5,000 non-PAYE threshold.

Check your vest-month payslip and compare it to your vesting statement. If there's a corresponding PAYE/USC/PRSI deduction, the equity was likely processed through payroll.

2) The €5,000 non-PAYE threshold explained

Revenue's simplified rule: if your non-PAYE income exceeds €5,000, you must file a Form 11 (self-assessment). Non-PAYE income includes:

Equity income not processed through payroll
Rental income
Dividends from non-Irish sources
Capital gains above the annual exemption
Other non-PAYE earnings

Below €5,000 non-PAYE income, you can typically file a Form 12 (PAYE return) instead.

3) Evidence checklist

Document	Why it matters
Vesting statement	Shows vest value and share count
Payslip (vest month)	Proves payroll withholding (or lack thereof)
Annual payroll summary	Shows total equity reported through payroll
Broker statements	Supports disposals and later CGT records

Filing requirements depend on your full income profile. This guide provides planning context — confirm your position with Revenue guidance or a tax advisor, especially for complex equity situations.

Related equity guides

Short, practical answers for common RSU, ESPP, and CGT questions.

RSU tax at vesting RSU withholding (payslip)RSU withheld but still owe Sell-to-cover RSU cost basis CGT on shares

Key glossary terms

RSU Vesting Sell-to-cover Cost basis CGT Form 11 Form 12 ESPP Marginal rate

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1) Start with what was processed through payroll

Check your vest-month payslip and compare it to your vesting statement. If there's a corresponding PAYE/USC/PRSI deduction, the equity was likely processed through payroll.

2) The €5,000 non-PAYE threshold explained

Revenue's simplified rule: if your non-PAYE income exceeds €5,000, you must file a Form 11 (self-assessment). Non-PAYE income includes:

Equity income not processed through payroll
Rental income
Dividends from non-Irish sources
Capital gains above the annual exemption
Other non-PAYE earnings

Below €5,000 non-PAYE income, you can typically file a Form 12 (PAYE return) instead.

Document

Why it matters

Vesting statement

Shows vest value and share count

Payslip (vest month)

Proves payroll withholding (or lack thereof)

Annual payroll summary

Shows total equity reported through payroll

Broker statements

Supports disposals and later CGT records