On 6 January 2015, Ireland published Universal Social Charge (Amendment) Regulations 2014. The changes as introduced in Budget 2015 are:

• The exemption threshold for the Universal Social Charge (USC) is increased from €10,036 in gross income to €12,012 (when the threshold is exceeded all income is subject to USC), and the USC rates are:
  • 1.5% for income up to €12,012
  • 3.5% for income over €12,012…