Tax-efficient contractor accounting, expense tracking and advice on close-company rules.
What do we take care of?
Limited company bookkeeping
Payroll
VAT
Expenses
Annual accounts
Corporation Tax
Personal tax where appropriate
Revenue compliance
Financial administration
How can we support you as you grow?
If you hire, take on a contractor of your own, or the work gets more complex, the same team can add reporting and cash visibility.
FAQs
Should I set up a personal limited company for contracting?
A personal limited company can be suitable for some contractors, but the right structure depends on factors such as your contracts, income, expenses and working arrangements.
How do I set up a limited company in Ireland?
An Irish LTD is incorporated with the CRO by filing the required incorporation documents, including Form A1 and a company constitution.
What does an accountant do for an IT contractor?
An accountant can manage areas such as bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, annual accounts and tax compliance, while helping you understand your company's financial position.
What taxes do IT contractors need to pay in Ireland?
Depending on your structure and circumstances, you may have Corporation Tax, Income Tax, PAYE, USC, PRSI and VAT obligations.
Do I need to register for PAYE if I am the only director?
Yes. An Irish company must register as an employer and operate PAYE on directors' income, even where there are no other employees.
How should I pay myself from my limited company?
Salary is generally paid through PAYE, while dividends are subject to separate company-law and tax rules. The appropriate mix depends on your circumstances.
What expenses can an IT contractor claim?
Business expenses generally need to be incurred wholly and exclusively for the business and supported by appropriate records; private expenses are generally not deductible.
Can I claim for a laptop or computer equipment?
Business-use equipment can generally be accounted for through the company, subject to the relevant tax and accounting treatment and any private use considerations.
Can I claim for software and subscriptions?
Software, professional subscriptions and similar costs may be allowable where they relate to the business and meet the relevant tax rules.
Can I claim travel expenses?
Business travel may qualify for tax-free reimbursement where the relevant Revenue conditions are met. Ordinary private travel, such as normal commuting, is treated differently.
Can I claim mobile phone and internet costs?
Business-related phone and internet costs may be covered by the company, but the tax treatment can depend on the extent and nature of private use.
How does VAT work for IT contractors?
IT contractors providing taxable services may need to register for VAT once the applicable threshold is exceeded. The VAT treatment can also depend on where the customer is established.
What happens if my client is outside Ireland?
For many B2B services, the place of supply is where the business customer is established, meaning Irish VAT may not apply. The exact treatment depends on the customer and service.
Do I charge VAT to UK clients?
For many B2B services supplied to a UK business, Irish VAT is generally not charged under the relevant place-of-supply rules. The specific circumstances should be checked before invoicing.
How often do I need to file VAT returns?
VAT returns are generally filed every two months, although Revenue may permit different filing periods in certain circumstances.
What happens if I work through a recruitment agency?
The VAT and invoicing treatment depends on the contractual arrangement, including who your customer is and how the agency is involved.
What happens if I have a gap between contracts?
Your company continues to have its legal and tax obligations even when it is not trading. For example, companies must continue to meet their CRO annual-return requirements.
Can I continue paying myself when I am between contracts?
Potentially, provided the company has sufficient funds and the payments are properly treated for payroll and tax purposes. There is no automatic requirement for the company to continue paying a salary.
Can my company contribute to a pension?
Yes, an employer can generally make pension contributions for an employee or director, subject to the applicable pension and tax rules.
Can you manage my bookkeeping, payroll, VAT and annual accounts together?
Yes. Finsera can bring these areas together under one accounting service, giving you a more organised way to manage your company's ongoing financial and tax obligations.
Stay on the work. Leave the numbers with us.
Thirty minutes with an accountant who has read your numbers first.