Understanding your payslip.
Your Payslip
1. Gross pay details
Basic pay
This refers to payment for hours worked, and does not include your allowances.
Allowances
Any allowances paid in respect of posts of responsibility and special duties, degree allowances, teaching in the Gaeltacht, etc., are detailed here.
2. Deductions
Deductions including PAYE tax, income levy and PRSI (including health levy) are detailed here. Payments for your pension contribution are also included, along with other at-source deductions such as: additional voluntary contributions to pension; certain savings schemes; certain insurance schemes, including salary protection; credit union deductions; Teaching Council registration fee; and, ASTI subscription.
3. PRSI Class
All employees, whether full-time or part-time, are liable for PRSI. All teachers employed since 1995 are Class A PRSI contributors. Class A is the normal rate at which PRSI is paid.
4. Tax Credit
This refers to the total tax credit you are entitled to for this payroll period, including your PAYE credit, individual tax credit and other credits based on your individual circumstances. Notice of your tax credits is sent to you at the beginning of each year by the Revenue Commissioners. Check www.revenue.ie for more details of tax credits or to see what you can claim.
5. Cut-off point
Cut-off point refers to the point at which you pay the higher rate of tax. The standard PAYE rate is 20% plus the income levy. You are taxed at this rate on earnings up to your cut-off point. After that, earnings are taxed at the higher rate of 41% plus income levy. The figure here indicates the cut-off point for this particular pay period.
6. Net pay
This figure indicates how much is actually paid into your bank account after tax, PRSI and other deductions.
7. Year to date totals
Year to date totals let you know how much you have earned, paid or been credited to date in this tax year. The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31.