Would anyone know if there is a freely available spreadsheet or template for calculating PAYE and PRSI for employees or do I have to buy a payroll / accounting software package ?
It's a small limited company, one employee (me) who is also a director !
I should be able to calculate it myself but would be worried I would make a mistake and under tax myself
This calculator is useful for doing a quick sanity check of employer PAYE/PRSI (class A only) deductions but I would not depend on it for doing payroll as it doesn't cover all possibilities such as all tax credits or PRSI contribution classes (e.g. employee directors may not be on class A PRSI). Perhaps the Revenue site has something useful (e.g. a ready reckoner) under the Site Map or FAQs links? Otherwise your accountant may be able to assist.
Buy a payroll package from the likes of www.itco.ie or similar. Otherwise get your accountant to do the calculation for you. Make sure at all times that you operate payroll in conjunction with informed professional advice. Otherwise you run a serious risk of difficulties from the ODCE if you overpay yourself and in so doing breach the directors loans requirements of the Companies Acts.