Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2017
58. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full year cost of abolishing the universal social charge for all income earners earning under €90,000 in 2018 while maintaining it as is for all income over €90,000, that is, USC would be charged at the current rate on income over €90,000 but not on the income under €90,000. [39961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the estimated full year cost of abolishing the Universal Social Charge (USC) in 2018 on all income less than €90,000 is €2,800 million. This costing includes the abolition of USC on all incomes less than €90,000, i.e., those earning in excess of €90,000 only pay USC on the portion of their earnings in excess of €90,000. This costing includes the retention of the 3% USC surcharge on non-PAYE incomes over €100,000.
This estimate has been generated by reference to 2018 incomes as calculated on the basis of actual data for the year 2015, the latest year for which returns are available, adjusted as necessary for income, self-employment and employment trends in the interim. The estimate is provisional and may be revised.
