Are you wondering how the burden of PIT and ZUS equivalents will affect your salary in another country? It’s good to know how to calculate earnings and know the net amount – the one that will finally be on your account. What is the difference between gross and net? From now on you will know how much money you will bring home. See for yourself!

How to calculate earnings? Differences between gross and net

The gross amount is the total remuneration, which is reduced by income tax and social security contributions – ZUS (or its equivalent abroad). What the employee earns clear is called the net remuneration. The amount of deductions for health and pension contributions is usually fixed, however, the tax may vary depending on:

• tax threshold (the more you earn, the higher tax you pay)
• family situation (families with children can count on many tax credits)

Salary tax in various European countries. Differences between gross and net

Here are the percentages of your earnings that the state will take away:

Country	% deducted from the amount earned
For the first tax threshold (lowest earnings)	For the highest tax threshold (highest earnings)
Germany	14%	45%
Netherlands	8,9%*	52%
Belgium	25%	50%
Sweden	32%	57%
France	14%	49%
Great Britain	20%	45%
Ireland	20%	40%
Denmark	39%	52%
Norway	27%	48%

*Such a low tax applies to persons on the age bracket

Earnings of most people fluctuate around the national averages and thus reach average tax thresholds. On average, the state takes (not including tax credits other than family):

Country	average % deducted from the amount earned
For a single person with average earnings	For a family with average earnings
Germany	39%	31%
Netherland	31%	31%
Belgium	40%	27%
Sweden	23%	23%
France	30%	22%
Great Britain	20%	20%
Ireland	20%	11%
Denmark	35%	30%
Norway	28%	27%

source: PwC Polska

Deductions for social and health contributions

In addition to income tax, advances on social and health contributions are deducted from gross pay. In most countries, these deductions are paid by an employer. Sometimes, however, an employee must take care of his or her own social security. In some countries, deduction amounts increase with earnings.

Country	% of deductions for social and health contributions
Germany	20,75%
Netherlands	27,65%
Belgium	13,70%
Sweden	7%
France	20% lub 23%
Great Britain	0% lub 2% lub 12%
Ireland	4%
Denmark	5%
Norway	7,80%

source: PwC Polska

Differences between exemplary gross and net rates

To show you the actual amounts you will earn, we have created an approximate list for two popular rates: EUR 9.69 and EUR 12. The rates are calculated on the basis of averaged tax deductions not including non-family tax credits.

Country	9,69 EUR gross	12 EUR gross
NET for single people	NET for families	NET for single people	NET for families
Germany	5,91 EUR	6,67 EUR	7,32 EUR	8,28 EUR
Netherlands	6,67 EUR	6,67 EUR	8,28 EUR	8,28 EUR
Belgium	5,81 EUR	7 EUR	7,20 EUR	8,76 EUR
Sweden	7,46 EUR	7,46 EUR	9,24 EUR	9,24 EUR
France	6,68 EUR	7,55 EUR	8,40 EUR	9,36 EUR
Great Britain	7,75 EUR	7,75 EUR	9,60 EUR	9,60 EUR
Ireland	7,75 EUR	8,62 EUR	9,60 EUR	10,68 EUR
Denmark	6,29 EUR	6,78 EUR	7,80 EUR	8,40 EUR
Norway	6,97 EUR	7 EUR	8,64 EUR	8,76 EUR

If your hour rate is different, you will have to make a few simple calculations to know your future earnings. Find out the exact rate at your place of employment (the gross amount will certainly not be hidden) and subtract the percentage deducted from the amount you earn, multiplied by the gross rate previously mentioned. You’ll find the right percentage in the first table. If you still do not know how to calculate your earnings, use the formula below:

Remember that employers sometimes also deduct the cost of accommodation or daily transport to work. When signing the contract, check what amount you will get into your account!