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Professional Irish Financial Analysis • 2026
Generated On
22 July 2026
Note: This report is an estimate based on current Irish Revenue tax bands and provided inputs. For official tax advice, please consult a qualified professional or visit Revenue.ie.
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Compare umbrella payroll vs personal limited company. Revenue Section 12/13 risk test, 5-year projection, and break-even analysis included.
Compare umbrella payroll vs personal limited company for Irish contractors. Includes Revenue Section 12/13 risk test, 5-year net worth projection, break-even analysis, and rate sensitivity.
Enter your daily rate, days worked, umbrella fees, and Ltd company costs. The calculator models PAYE, umbrella, and Ltd company structures side-by-side, showing monthly net pay, effective tax rates, and total wealth accumulation over 5 years including dissolution costs.
Monthly Net Comparison
5yr Delta: -€163,729 · PAYE: €56,800/yr
Umbrella Eff.
54%
Ltd Eff.
83%
PAYE Eff.
48%
Days Worked Sensitivity
Umbrella Breakdown
Ltd Company Breakdown
Section 12/13 Risk Assessment
/10Risk of reclassification. Consider umbrella to avoid Revenue inquiry.
Expense Categories (Monthly)
Monthly Cash Flow Comparison
| Month | Umbrella | Ltd (Salary+Div) |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
| M2 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
| M3 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
| M4 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
| M5 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
| M6 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
| M7 | €4,216 | -€7,399 |
| M8 | €4,216 | -€7,399 |
| M9 | €4,216 | -€7,399 |
| M10 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
| M11 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
| M12 | €4,216 | €3,750 |
Umbrella pays steady monthly. Ltd pays salary monthly + dividends quarterly — plan cash flow accordingly.
Contractor Guide
Umbrella vs Ltd — The Decision Framework
Below ~€80k/yr gross, umbrella is simpler and cost-effective. Above €100k, Ltd company structure saves significant tax via 12.5% corp tax and dividend extraction. The Section 12/13 risk score is critical — if your score exceeds 5, umbrella is safer regardless of income.
The Hidden Costs of Ltd
Accountancy fees (€1,200-€3,000/yr), employer PRSI (11.05% on salary above €506/week), and dissolution costs (€1,000-€3,000) reduce the Ltd advantage. Retained profits locked in the company subject to close company surcharge on non-trading income.
Auto-Enrolment 2026 Changes
From October 2026, all employees (including umbrella workers) are automatically enrolled in a pension scheme — employer contributes 3%, employee 3%, government 1%. Ltd company directors may opt out, preserving more take-home pay.
Scenario-based suggestions to help you validate your result and explore the next decision point.