Can I claim employee wages as a business expense in Ireland?

Yes — if you hire employees, their wages and associated costs are fully allowable business expenses in Ireland. Deductible staff costs include: gross wages, employer's PRSI (currently 11.15% on weekly earnings above €441, or 8.8% for earnings below), employer pension contributions, and holiday pay. As an employer, you must register with Revenue for PAYE/PRSI, set up a payroll scheme, operate payroll monthly via the PAYE Modernisation system (real-time reporting), and submit monthly payroll submissions via ROS. If you pay a family member, Revenue may challenge salaries that are above the commercial rate for the work done — it must reflect fair market value. Employment Investment Incentive Scheme and other employer credits may also be available. Claim wages under 'Employee costs' on Form 11.

  • Gross wages, employer PRSI (11.15% or 8.8%), and employer pension contributions: all deductible
  • Must register as an employer and operate monthly PAYE via ROS (PAYE Modernisation)
  • Real-time reporting: payroll data submitted to Revenue each pay period
  • Family member wages: must be commercially justifiable
  • Claim under 'Employee costs' on Form 11

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