About this guide
Ledgerline offers general pension information for self-employed people in Ireland, from sole traders to contractors and freelancers.
Why this site exists
When My Future Fund launched in January 2026, it brought most employees into a workplace pension automatically. The self-employed were left out: no employer, no auto-enrolment, no state top-up. Saving for retirement is still possible and often tax-efficient, but you have to set it up yourself, and the rules are not easy to find in plain English.
We explain PRSAs, tax-relief limits by age, questions to raise with pension providers and key dates in accessible language.
Who publishes this information
Ledgerline is published independently.
Our approach to checking information
We prepare guides using primary sources and review them after each Budget. We are working toward having our guides independently reviewed by a qualified financial adviser and will publish details once arranged.
How we prepare and update our guides
- We compare figures such as relief limits, earnings thresholds, age bands and deadlines with primary material from Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, gov.ie and the Pensions Authority.
- Every guide displays a review date. We aim to revisit the content after each Budget and when relevant regulations are updated.
- Our calculators offer estimates based on published guidance; they cannot replace advice based on your personal circumstances.
- If you think something may be wrong, email us at [email protected]. We correct mistakes promptly and note significant changes on the page.
Our limitations
Ledgerline publishes general information. We are not a financial adviser, broker or pension provider, and we are not authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland to give financial advice. Nothing on this site is a recommendation to buy a particular product. For advice on your circumstances, speak to an adviser authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Funding
The site is supported by advertising. Advertisements are kept separate from editorial guides.
Advertisers and partners do not control our editorial content.