Common questions about umbrella contracting

You work on assignment for a client or agency while employed by Paytube's umbrella company. We invoice for your work, deduct our fee and employer costs, pay you through PAYE payroll, and remit income tax, USC, and PRSI to Revenue. You receive a payslip and same-day pay when client funds arrive. Use our umbrella company calculator to estimate take-home pay before you sign up, or read how it works in detail.

Compare monthly fees, expense processing, payment speed, and how take-home pay is calculated after employer PRSI. Paytube charges a flat €75/month for umbrella employees (€120/month for directors), includes unlimited expense processing, free income tax return filing, and pays contractors the same day client funds are received. Run your day rate through our contractor tax calculator to see an estimated net figure, or see our plans & pricing.

In most cases, no. Paytube is a registered Revenue agent and files income tax returns on your behalf at no extra cost while you are an active client. Your PAYE, USC, and PRSI are deducted through payroll and remitted to Revenue as you go. If you have additional income outside your contracting work, we can still handle your return - included in your plan.

Under the Employee plan, you're employed as a standard PAYE worker - straightforward and with minimal admin. Under the Director plan, you're appointed as a director of Paytube's umbrella structure, which can offer more flexibility and potentially better take-home at higher day rates. The Director plan is only available to those with no visa restrictions (Stamp 4/EU or Irish citizens). See plan details and visa eligibility.

Same day. The moment we receive payment from the agency, your net pay is processed and transferred to your bank account. We don't hold funds overnight or batch payments - what comes in goes out to you immediately.

Yes, completely. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation penalties. You can switch between the Employee and Director plans, or cancel entirely, at any time. Just contact our team and we'll handle the change for you.

Revenue requires that expenses be wholly, exclusively, and necessarily incurred in the performance of your duties. Common valid expenses include travel to client sites, subsistence while working away, relevant equipment, work-related software, training, and home office costs. See our expenses guide or reach out to our team.

Absolutely. You can sign up and get everything set up before your next contract starts - so you're ready to go on day one. Many contractors register in advance and activate their payroll when they're placed. You won't be charged until you start receiving payments.