Calculation Methodology

Last reviewed: 19 August 2026. RealEchoes calculators are educational planning tools. We aim to make the assumptions behind each result visible so readers can understand and verify them.

Primary sources

For Irish tax calculations we prioritise official information published by Revenue. For PRSI we prioritise the Department of Social Protection. Housing, mortgage and cost-of-living tools may require user-entered assumptions because rates, rents, fees and household spending vary by lender, location and person.

Salary calculator

The 2026 salary calculator applies the user-selected income-tax rate band, tax credits, standard USC bands and an estimate of employee PRSI. A result is not a Revenue calculation and may differ because payroll is cumulative, tax credits and rate bands can be allocated differently, PRSI depends on pay frequency and class, and personal reliefs vary.

Housing tools

Mortgage results are mathematical repayment estimates based on the principal, interest rate and term entered. They do not represent a lending offer and may exclude insurance, fees, taxes, maintenance and lender-specific rules. Rent-vs-buy results are scenario comparisons, not predictions of future property prices.

Savings and DIRT

Savings projections depend on the interest rate and contribution assumptions supplied by the user. The tool uses the standard Irish DIRT rate where applicable; exemptions and foreign-deposit rules can differ.

Updates and corrections

We review year-sensitive tools when official annual rules are published and may update sooner when a material rule changes. If you spot an error, use our contact page. Significant corrections should be made promptly rather than hidden.

Important limitation

RealEchoes does not provide personalised tax, legal, immigration, mortgage or investment advice. Verify important decisions with the relevant authority, lender or qualified adviser.