As soon as you get your first job in Ireland, register for Revenue myAccount and add the job. If you do not, your employer may take emergency tax from your pay. It only takes a few minutes online once you have your PPS number.
What you need
- Your PPS number (see our PPS number guide)
- Your employer’s name and Tax Registration Number (TRN) — ask HR or your manager
- Your job start date
- An email address, mobile number and Irish address for myAccount
- MyGovID helps for other government services
Step by step
- Give your PPS number to your employer. They need it before your first pay day.
- Register for myAccount on revenue.ie. Revenue says first-time employees should register for myAccount. You will set a password and confirm your details.
- Add your job. In myAccount, open the "PAYE Services" tab and click "Add Job or Pension Details". You need your employer’s TRN. If this is not your first job in Ireland, your employer registers it for you.
- Check your tax credits. Revenue sends your employer a Revenue Payroll Notification (RPN) showing your tax credits and rate band. Check them in myAccount.
- Read your first payslip. Look for PAYE (income tax), USC and PRSI. If the tax looks very high, you may be on emergency tax.
- Claim extra credits and refunds. At the end of the year, you can review your tax in myAccount and claim credits such as health expenses or rent tax credit. Check eligibility on revenue.ie.
What is emergency tax?
Your employer takes Income Tax and USC at emergency rates when they cannot get an RPN for you. This usually happens because they do not have your PPS number, or your job is not registered with Revenue. To stop it, give your PPS number to your employer and register the job. Do this as soon as possible so your employer can get an RPN before your first pay day. If you paid too much, it is normally returned through payroll once Revenue has your details.
Key numbers for 2026
| Item | 2026 | Announced in Budget 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Tax Credit | €2,000 | €2,125 |
| Employee Tax Credit | €2,000 | €2,125 |
| Standard rate band (single person, 20% rate) | €44,000 | €46,500 |
| USC 2% band upper limit | €28,700 | €30,300 |
| National minimum wage (age 20+) | €14.15 per hour | €14.94 per hour from 1 January 2027 |
Income above the standard rate band is taxed at 40%. USC for 2026 is 0.5% on the first €12,012, 2% on the next €16,688, 3% on the next €41,344 and 8% on the balance. Budget 2027 changes still need legislation, so check revenue.ie for the final figures.
Tips and common mistakes
- Revenue does not email or text you about refunds. Messages like this are scams. Log in only by typing revenue.ie into your browser.
- Two jobs? Your tax credits can be split between them in myAccount.
- Self-employed or freelance? You file your own tax return. Keep every invoice and receipt.
- Leaving Ireland? Check myAccount before you go, as you may be due a refund.
Do it faster with GetKG
- VAT Calculator — work out prices with and without VAT
- Freelancer invoice guide — make correct invoices if you work for yourself
- Strong password guide — protect your myAccount login
- Compress PDF — upload receipts and payslips to Revenue
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How long does emergency tax last?
It lasts until your employer gets an RPN for you. Give them your PPS number and register your job in myAccount, and it usually stops on the next payroll run.
Do I need to file a tax return as an employee?
Most PAYE employees do not have to, but you can review each year in myAccount to claim credits and refunds. Other income may mean you must file. Check revenue.ie.
What is the TRN?
It is your employer’s Tax Registration Number. It has the same format as a PPS number. Ask your employer for it.
What is PRSI?
Pay Related Social Insurance. It is taken from your pay and builds your right to social welfare payments and the State Pension.
This page is general information, not legal, immigration, medical or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so always check the official site before you act.
Next step: start your job search the right way. Read Find a job in Ireland.