Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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241. To ask the Minister for Finance the first year and full year costs of decreasing the non-PAYE USC surcharge from 3% to 2.5%; the number of persons affected by such a change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39021/17]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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242. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of self-employed persons that will benefit from an increase in the earned income tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39022/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

As regards the earner income tax credit, I am advised by Revenue that, for 2016, the latest year for which data are available, the estimated number of self employed taxpayer units that benefit from the tax credit in 2016 is around 152,000. Individuals or married persons/civil partners who have elected (or who have been deemed to have elected for joint assessment) are counted as one tax unit. Final estimates will be available in mid-2018 once tax returns for 2016 are filed and processed.

As regards the USC surcharge, I am advised by Revenue that estimated first and full year costs of decreasing the surcharge on non-PAYE income over €100,000 from 3% to 2.5% are €16 million and €28 million respectively. The estimated number of persons affected by this change is around 15,600. These estimates have been generated by reference to 2018 incomes as calculated on the basis of actual data for the year 2015, the latest year for which returns are available, adjusted as necessary for income, self-employment and employment trends in the interim. The estimates are provisional and may be revised.