Why is 35% taken from my payments?

Contractors must take 35% if you're not registered for tax, Revenue can't confirm who you are, or your tax record is poor. Register for tax and file your returns to move to 20%.

Do I get the Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) back?

It counts as tax you've already paid for that year. If it's more than the tax on your profit, the rest is refunded. That happens after the year ends, once your Form 11 is filed and all your taxes are paid.

How do I get the 0% rate?

Have a good tax record for the last 3 years: returns filed and tax paid on time. Revenue reviews rates, and you can ask for a review in ROS.

Trades and self-employed

RCT: what's taken from my payments, and getting it back

What contractors take off your payments, what you really owe on your profit, and the money that comes back after the year.

Self-assessment tool. The figures come from your own answers. It isn't advice, and you're responsible for what you file or claim. heypenny.ie is a trading name of Kinch Press. Read the disclaimer.

Common questions

Why is 35% taken from my payments?: Contractors must take 35% if you're not registered for tax, Revenue can't confirm who you are, or your tax record is poor. Register for tax and file your returns to move to 20%.
Do I get the Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) back?: It counts as tax you've already paid for that year. If it's more than the tax on your profit, the rest is refunded. That happens after the year ends, once your Form 11 is filed and all your taxes are paid.
How do I get the 0% rate?: Have a good tax record for the last 3 years: returns filed and tax paid on time. Revenue reviews rates, and you can ask for a review in ROS.

Loading the calculator…