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Auto Enrolment Calculator Ireland: What My Future Fund Costs You
Auto-enrolment started on 1 January 2026. See exactly what comes out of your pay each month — and what actually lands in your pension pot once your employer and the State add their share.
| Your contribution no tax relief | €750 |
| Employer adds | + €750 |
| State top-up €1 per €3 | + €250 |
| Into your pot each year | €1,750 |
On €50,000 in 2026–2028, auto-enrolment costs you €750 a year (€62.50/month) from your take-home pay — and with your employer's €750 plus the State's €250, a total of €1,750 goes into your pension pot each year.
If you got your first January 2026 payslip and spotted a brand-new deduction, this is it. My Future Fund quietly enrolled hundreds of thousands of workers who'd never had a pension — and the deal is genuinely decent: for every €3 you put in, €7 lands in your pot. The catch most people miss? Unlike a normal pension there's no tax relief on your contribution — the State's €1 top-up replaces it. That's fine if you pay 20% tax, but if you're on the 40% rate, a standard pension would likely give you more back. Run your salary above to see your own numbers.
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How auto-enrolment (My Future Fund) works in 2026
From 1 January 2026, employees aged 23–60 earning over €20,000 a year who aren't already in a payroll pension are enrolled automatically. You, your employer and the State all contribute, on gross pay up to €80,000 a year. The rates phase in over a decade:
| Years | You pay | Employer | State | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026–2028 | 1.5% | 1.5% | 0.5% | 3.5% |
| 2029–2031 | 3% | 3% | 1% | 7% |
| 2032–2034 | 4.5% | 4.5% | 1.5% | 10.5% |
| 2035 on | 6% | 6% | 2% | 14% |
The easy way to remember it: for every €3 you contribute, €7 goes into your pot — your €3, your employer's €3, and €1 from the State.
Why there's no tax relief (and when that matters)
Your contributions are taken from after-tax pay — auto-enrolment gives no income tax relief. The State top-up (€1 per €3, about 25% uplift) replaces it. For a 20% taxpayer that's actually slightly better than standard relief. For a 40% taxpayer it's worse — a regular occupational or personal pension with marginal-rate relief would usually beat it. Use our pension tax relief calculator to compare.
Opting out
You can opt out after an initial period (and again after each rate increase), with no penalty for doing so repeatedly — but you'll be re-enrolled periodically while you stay eligible. Anything already contributed stays invested in your name and is accessible from age 66, alongside the State Pension.
This shows the contribution flows only — it doesn't project investment growth or model the drawdown (25% tax-free lump sum, balance taxable). Scheme details per gov.ie and My Future Fund; confirm your own position with NAERSA or a financial adviser.
People also ask
How much will auto-enrolment cost me?
In 2026–2028: 1.5% of gross pay (up to €80,000). On €50,000 that's €750 a year — about €62.50/month from your take-home. With the employer and State share, €1,750 lands in your pot each year. Rates step up to 6%+6%+2% by year 10.
Who is auto-enrolled?
Employees aged 23–60 earning over €20,000 who aren't already in a payroll pension, from 1 January 2026. The self-employed aren't auto-enrolled.
Do I get tax relief on contributions?
No — contributions come from after-tax pay. The State's €1-per-€3 top-up (≈25% uplift) replaces relief. Good for 20% taxpayers; 40% taxpayers usually do better in a standard pension.
Can I opt out?
Yes, after an initial period — no penalty, even repeatedly. You'll be re-enrolled periodically while eligible, and money already in stays invested until age 66.
Related Ireland calculators
Sources: gov.ie — Auto-enrolment: your questions answered, MyFutureFund.ie. Estimates for planning only — not financial advice.