I am a self employed sole trader. I collect vat etc and my accountant does my income tax return for me each year. Will I be entitled to maternity benefit of any sort or just tax relief when i have a baby? I am not married. thanks.
Self-employed people are entitled to maternity benefit.
According to citizens information website you must have 52 weeks PRSI contributions in any of the 3 tax years preceding the year when you start maternity leave.
eg - if you will be having your baby in 2009 then you must have 52 weeks PRSI contributions in either 2006, 2007, or 2008
There is a section on the maternity benefit form for self-employed people