## What Class S is
Class S is the PRSI class for self employed people, including sole traders, partners in partnerships, and proprietary directors who own more than 50 percent of their company.
Class S contributors pay PRSI on profits from self employment, on rental income, and on certain investment income.
## 2026 Class S rate
The Class S rate matches the employee rate:
- 1 January to 30 September: 4.1 percent
- 1 October to 31 December: 4.2 percent
Unlike Class A, there is no employer counterpart because the contributor is their own employer.
## Minimum annual contribution
A minimum annual PRSI of €650 applies in 2026. This means even self employed people with low profit pay at least €650 per year to maintain pension and benefit entitlements.
## Worked example, modest profit
Aine has self employed profit of €30,000.
- PRSI: €30,000 x 4.1 percent = €1,230 (assuming year ends before October change applies in arrears)
- Above the €650 minimum
## Worked example, low profit
Sinead has self employed profit of €10,000.
- Calculated PRSI: €10,000 x 4.1 percent = €410
- Below the minimum, so the minimum €650 applies
- Effective rate: 6.5 percent
## How Class S is paid
Class S PRSI is paid annually with income tax through the self assessment system:
- Preliminary tax due 31 October each year
- Balancing payment due 31 October the following year
- Reported on the Form 11 along with income tax
## Benefits earned under Class S
Class S earns fewer benefits than Class A but the gap has narrowed significantly:
- State Pension Contributory: yes
- Maternity, Paternity, Parent's Benefit: yes
- Adoptive Benefit: yes
- Invalidity Pension: yes (since 2017)
- Treatment Benefit: yes
- Jobseeker's Benefit Self Employed: yes (since 2019)
- Illness Benefit: no
- Carer's Benefit: no
- Occupational Injuries Benefit: no
## Mixed Class A and Class S
Many people have both PAYE employment and a side business. Each income is treated separately:
- Salary: Class A through payroll
- Side business: Class S through self assessment
The minimum €650 may not apply if Class A contributions are sufficient in the year.
## Director PRSI
Proprietary directors (over 50 percent shareholding) are Class S even when paid through payroll. The company runs payroll on their salary but classifies as Class S, paying both employee and effective employer PRSI through the self assessment route.
## Educational notice
Self employed PRSI interacts with income tax planning. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making changes to contribution patterns.