Compare countries

    The UK vs Ireland: tax compared

    The UK's headline personal income tax rate is 45% and Ireland's is 52%. Company tax is 25% in the UK and 12.5% in Ireland. Both figures come from each country's official tax guidance, checked on 2 October 2026 and 12 October 2026.

    Face to face.

    The UK

    Ireland

    Personal income tax

    45%Lower

    48%

    Personal income tax

    52%

    40% income tax, 8% USC and about 4% PRSI at the top

    Company tax

    25%

    Main rate, profits over £250,000 · 19% (small profits rate, profits £50,000 or less)

    Company tax

    12.5%Lower

    Special tax regime: No

    Official guidancechecked 2 October 2026

    Special tax regime: No

    Official guidancechecked 12 October 2026

    What the headline misses.

    Regional and local taxes, social security, treaty relief and each country's residency test decide what you actually pay. The headline rate is where the comparison starts, not where it ends.

    Tax guideThe UK: rates, residency and recent changesTax guideIreland: rates, residency and recent changes

    Questions

    What people ask.

    Straight answers, from the figures above.

    On the headline rate, The UK (45%) is lower than Ireland (52%). Local and regional taxes, social security and any special regime can change what you actually pay, so compare your own income before you decide.

    On the headline rate, Ireland (12.5%) is lower than The UK (25%). Exemptions, small-profit rates and where the company is managed from change the real figure.

    From each country's official tax guidance, linked on this page and checked on 2 October 2026 and 12 October 2026. Heed rechecks its rates on a rolling schedule and as soon as an official page changes.

    No. Heed is information, not advice. The headline rate is where a comparison starts; a qualified adviser in each country should confirm your position.

    Rules move. Heed watches both.

    Heed follows the UK and Ireland from their official sources and tells you when a rule that affects you changes, and the Scenario Planner runs your own income through both.

    Model your move More comparisons

    Other countries compared.