Tax and compliance for a business in Ireland

Snapshot

A business in Ireland deals mainly with Revenue for tax and with the Companies Registration Office for company filings. Corporation tax on trading income is 12.5 percent, VAT registration is required once turnover passes the threshold, and a company files an annual return as well as keeping its beneficial ownership filing up to date. A separate business account helps keep the records clean, but it does not change what you owe.

Corporation tax: 12.5 percent on trading income, and 25 percent on non trading or passive income, as of 24 April 2026.
VAT thresholds: Registration is generally required once turnover passes 85,000 euro for goods or 42,500 euro for services over a rolling twelve months.
Filing: Most tax filing runs through the Revenue Online Service, and a company also files an annual return with the Companies Registration Office.
Beneficial ownership: A company files its beneficial owners on the central Register of Beneficial Ownership and keeps it current.

Tax figures as of 24 April 2026Last reviewed 24 April 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

A business in Ireland deals mainly with two bodies, Revenue for tax and the Companies Registration Office for company filings. Corporation tax on trading income is 12.5 percent, VAT registration becomes mandatory once turnover passes the threshold, and a company files an annual return and keeps its beneficial ownership record up to date. A separate business account makes these records easier to keep, though the tax position is set by the rules rather than by where you bank. The figures below are shown as of 24 April 2026 and are general information, not tax advice.

Corporation tax and income tax

Ireland applies a standard corporation tax rate of 12.5 percent to trading income, a rate that has been in place for many years, while non trading or passive income, such as rent and interest, is taxed at 25 percent. A separate effective minimum rate of 15 percent applies to very large groups under the global minimum tax rules, which affects only businesses above a high revenue threshold. A sole trader is taxed under the income tax system on business profits rather than corporation tax, and files under self assessment. Because rates and reliefs change and depend on your circumstances, confirm your position with Revenue or a qualified adviser. As of 24 April 2026.

VAT registration

A business established in Ireland generally must register for VAT once its turnover passes the registration threshold over any rolling twelve month period. The thresholds are 85,000 euro for the supply of goods and 42,500 euro for the supply of services. A business below the threshold can sometimes choose to register voluntarily, for example to reclaim VAT on costs. Once registered, the business charges VAT where it applies and files periodic VAT returns through Revenue. As of 24 April 2026

Filing and ongoing compliance

Most business tax filing in Ireland runs through the Revenue Online Service. A company registers for the relevant taxes, files its corporation tax return and pays by the due dates, while a VAT registered business files periodic VAT returns and an employer operates payroll taxes when it hires staff. Separately, a company files an annual return with the Companies Registration Office, usually with financial statements, and keeps its beneficial owners filed on the central Register of Beneficial Ownership. Keeping business banking separate from personal money makes these filings easier to support with clean records. Verify the current obligations and dates with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office. As of 24 April 2026.

Compare business accounts available in Ireland

These providers accept business customers in Ireland, and a dedicated account helps keep records ready for filing. Fees and eligibility shown as of 24 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about tax and compliance in Ireland

What is the corporation tax rate in Ireland?

The standard rate of corporation tax on trading income in Ireland is 12.5 percent, while non trading or passive income such as rent and interest is taxed at 25 percent, as of 24 April 2026. A separate effective minimum rate of 15 percent applies to very large groups under the global minimum tax rules. Confirm your position with Revenue or a qualified adviser. This is general information, not advice.

When must a business register for VAT in Ireland?

A business established in Ireland generally must register for VAT once turnover passes the threshold over a rolling twelve month period, which is 85,000 euro for the supply of goods and 42,500 euro for services, as of 24 April 2026. A business below the threshold can sometimes register voluntarily. Confirm the current thresholds with Revenue.

How does a business file tax in Ireland?

Most business tax filing is done online through the Revenue Online Service. A company registers for the relevant taxes, files its corporation tax return and pays by the due dates, and a VAT registered business files periodic VAT returns, as of 24 April 2026. A company also files an annual return with the Companies Registration Office. Verify the current requirements with Revenue and the Companies Registration Office.

Does a company in Ireland need a beneficial ownership filing?

Yes. An Irish company must file its beneficial owners on the central Register of Beneficial Ownership and keep the filing up to date, and banks check it before opening a company account, as of 24 April 2026. Confirm the requirement with the Register of Beneficial Ownership.

Tax rates, thresholds, and obligations change and vary by circumstance. This page was last reviewed on 24 April 2026. Confirm current terms with Revenue and the provider before relying on them.