Tax Relief · Entrepreneurship
SURE Scheme Ireland 2026 — Start Up Refunds for Entrepreneurs
The SURE scheme allows former PAYE workers who start a company to reclaim up to €100,000 in income tax they paid in the previous 6 years. The refund equals up to 41% of the capital you invest in your new business.
SURE SCHEME — AT A GLANCE
| Maximum refund | €100,000 (41% of qualifying investment) |
| Tax years covered | The 6 years of PAYE employment before investment |
| Who qualifies | Former PAYE employee who invests in own new company |
| Minimum shareholding | 15% of ordinary shares |
| Work requirement | Must work full-time in the company |
| Qualifying trades | Manufacturing, internationally traded services, R&D, tourism (not property or finance) |
| Application | Form SURE1 to Revenue after shares are issued |
How the SURE scheme works
SURE allows a former PAYE employee to reclaim income tax paid during their employment years by investing those funds into a new business. The mechanism works by treating the investment as if it had been made in prior years — generating a tax credit equivalent to the income tax previously paid on that amount.
The refund is calculated as follows: Revenue looks at the income tax you paid in the 6 years before your investment. Your refund cannot exceed 41% of your investment in shares, and is capped at €100,000.
SURE calculation example
| Scenario | Investment in company | Max refund (41%) | Actual refund (limited by tax paid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small investment | €30,000 | €12,300 | €12,300 (if enough tax paid) |
| Mid-range investment | €75,000 | €30,750 | €30,750 |
| Maximum claim | €243,902+ | €100,000 | €100,000 (absolute cap) |
Key conditions to remain eligible
- You must hold the shares for at least 4 years from the date of issue
- You must continue to work full-time in the company during this period
- The company must continue to carry on a qualifying trade
- Selling or transferring your shares within 4 years triggers clawback of the relief
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use SURE if I was self-employed before starting my company?
No. SURE is specifically for people who were PAYE employees. Self-employed income does not count toward the qualifying PAYE tax history required. If you have been self-employed, you cannot use the SURE scheme.
Does the company need to be new to qualify?
The company must be newly incorporated for the purpose of the scheme — you cannot use SURE for an investment in an existing company you previously owned. It must be a bona fide new start-up.
Can I claim SURE and still receive a wage from the company?
Yes. Once you hold the qualifying shares and work full-time in the company, you can receive a salary. The salary is taxable as normal employment income, separate from the SURE relief on your share investment.
What happens if the company fails within 4 years?
If the company ceases trading or you have to sell your shares within 4 years due to genuine commercial failure, Revenue may allow the relief to remain in some circumstances. Each case is assessed individually. Genuine insolvency is treated differently from a voluntary disposal.
Is there a minimum amount I need to invest to qualify?
There is no minimum investment amount specified by Revenue. However, the refund is proportional to your investment and your historic tax payments. Very small investments will produce proportionally small refunds.
Can two co-founders both use SURE on the same company?
Yes. Two or more former PAYE employees can each use SURE on their own investment in the same company, provided each person meets all the individual qualifying conditions and each holds at least 15% of shares (or another qualifying minimum).
This page reflects Revenue's SURE scheme rules for 2026. Qualifying conditions are subject to change — verify with Revenue or a tax adviser before applying.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.