Universal Social Charge – 2012
January 6, 2013
|
Posted by Money Guide
The 2011 Budget introduced a new tax on income called the Universal Social Charge which began in in January 2011. Initially – all individuals were liable to pay the USC if their gross annual income was more than €4004 (€77 a week).
In Budget 2012 - the threshold for paying USC was increased – so that only people on incomes over €10036 a year (€193 a week) pay the charge from January 2012
See here for details of USC Deductions for 2012
The rates for USC from January 2012 are as follows
Zero if total income is under €10036 a year
For people with income of €10,036 or more the rates will be :
2% on all income from 0 up to €10,036
4% on earnings between €10,037 and €16,016
7% on any income over €16,016
People aged 70 or more will have a maximum rate of of 4% USC (Even on Income over €16,016 ) .
Medical card holders also will have a top rate of 4% USC . See Medical Cards and USC here.
Some incomes are not liable for USC – such as welfare benefits , state pensions.
See here for the Income types that are not subject to the Universal Social Charge
See Here for Examples of 2011 USC Calculations
For PAYE workers – the Universal Social Charge will be deducted from wages. Where the USC has been applied for particular pay period(s) throughout the year but at year end you are ultimately not liable or are liable for a lower rate you will be due a refund of some or all of any Universal Social Charge paid.
Refunds : Where you have been in continuous employment with an employer throughout the year in question (i.e., from 1 January to 31 December), your employer should refund any overpayment of Universal Social Charge deducted at the end of the year. (Check that they do). Where you have not been in continuous employment with a single employer throughout the year- Revenue will deal with any refund .
USC replaced the Health Levy and the Income Levy :
The Health Levy was charged at 4% on all earnings above €26000 up to €75,036 and 5% on earnings over €75,036.
The Income Levy was set at 2% on income up to €75,036, 4% on income from €75,037 to €174,980 and 6% on income above €174,980. (Exempt if Medical Card holder or earning less than €15,028)
Categories: Budget 2011, Budget 2012, Charges and Fees, Health Levy, Universal Social Charge, USC
i have been working passed 3years in ireland and paying universal social charge as a none resident living in northern Ireland am i entitled to a rebate
I am a bit confused, if someone for example earns 11,000 euro, do you not charge them USC on the first 10,000 and only charge them on the 1,000?
Eliza- you would charge theem 2% on the 10,000 and then 4% on the 1000.
Thanks Frank