Key Financial Dates to Look Out for in 2026

Keeping track of key financial dates and updates is essential for effective financial planning. Whether you’re a business owner, employee or parent, staying informed helps you make the most of tax reliefs, avoid penalties, and manage your finances wisely.

Additionally, Budget 2026 has introduced several changes that can impact your income, expenses, and savings.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key financial dates and updates for 2026, helping you stay ahead and take control of your financial goals. From minimum wage increases to tax changes and pension reforms, there’s plenty to plan for this year.

January

Minimum Wage Increase

Starting January 1, 2026, Ireland’s minimum wage has increased by €0.65 to €14.15 per hour, up from €13.50. This represents an increase aimed at helping workers keep up with higher living costs and inflation. 

What It Means

For minimum-wage workers, the new rate means an extra €26 per week for a full-time 40-hour schedule, adding up to increased gross pay over the year. Part-time workers will also see a boost, which can be especially helpful for students and those managing other commitments. 

Who It’s Important For

Minimum-Wage Earners:

Workers in sectors like retail, hospitality, cleaning, and childcare, where minimum-wage jobs are more common, will directly benefit from this change. 

Part-Time and Casual Workers:

Individuals working fewer hours, such as students and caregivers, will see a boost in their hourly income, even with flexible or reduced schedules. 

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs):

Employers in industries with lower profit margins may need to reassess financial strategies to manage the increase. 

Universal Social Charge (USC) Changes

From January 1, 2026, the ceiling for the 2% USC rate band was increased to €28,700, ensuring that workers on lower incomes, including those on the new minimum wage, remain outside higher USC brackets. 

What It Means

By increasing the USC band threshold alongside the minimum wage, workers benefit from lower overall income tax, improving take-home pay in 2026. 

Who It’s Important For:

Employees earning up to the adjusted thresholds, particularly minimum wage and lower-middle income workers, benefit most from this change. 

Rent Tax Credit Extension

Budget 2026 confirmed that the Rent Tax Credit, which reduces renters’ income tax, has been extended until December 31, 2028. This provides ongoing relief for tenants. 

What It Means

The extension helps renters reduce their tax bill by claiming a portion of their rent back through tax relief, easing financial pressure for households renting longer-term. 

Who It’s Important For:

Renters, particularly those in urban areas with higher rental costs, benefit directly from continued tax relief. 

VAT Cuts for Food, Catering and Hairdressing

From July 1, 2026, the VAT rate on eligible food, catering and hairdressing services was reduced from 13.5% to 9% as part of Budget 2026 measures. 

What It Means

Consumer prices for services in these sectors may decrease, providing modest savings for households on everyday expenses. 

Who It’s Important For:

Consumers, particularly frequent users of hospitality, food outlets and personal services. 

Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme

From January 1, 2026, the My Future Fund auto-enrolment pension scheme has begun rolling out. Employees aged 23–60 earning over €20,000 who are not already members of a pension scheme will be automatically enrolled, with contributions from the employee, the employer, and the State. 

What It Means

This measure makes saving for retirement more automatic and accessible, helping more workers build pension savings over time without having to opt in manually. 

Who It’s Important For:

Employees without access to workplace pensions, younger workers starting out, and employers participating in the scheme. 

Social Welfare Increases (January)

A number of social welfare supports increased from January 2026:

• A €10 weekly increase in most core weekly social welfare payments.
• Child Support Payments increased to €58 for children under 12 and €78 for those over 12.
• Fuel Allowance increased by €5 to €38 per week.
• The Domiciliary Care Allowance increased by €20 per month.

What It Means

These increases provide more weekly income for families, carers, pensioners and people on social welfare. 

Who It’s Important For:

Families with children, carers, pensioners and low-income households.  

March

Mortgage Interest Tax Relief (Final Year)

Budget 2026 confirmed that Mortgage Interest Tax Relief continues into 2026, marking the final year of this temporary support.

What It Means

Eligible homeowners can continue to claim tax relief on increased mortgage interest costs compared to their 2022 mortgage interest levels. However, as this is the final year of the scheme, no further extensions have been announced.

Who It’s Important For

Homeowners:

Particularly those who experienced higher mortgage repayments due to interest rate increases in recent years.

Households Managing Rising Costs:

This relief provides some continued support in managing overall housing expenses.

April

Expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme

The Hot School Meals Programme continues in 2026 following its full rollout in previous years. Budget 2026 did not announce further expansion, but funding has been maintained to support ongoing delivery.

What It Means

The programme continues to ensure that children attending eligible primary schools receive a daily hot, nutritious meal, helping reduce food costs for families.

Who It’s Important For

Children:

Supports health, learning and wellbeing through regular access to nutritious meals.

Families:

Helps ease household food expenses.

Communities:

Supports equality and inclusion across the education system.