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: 4.2 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 4.2 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 4.2 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.