Income Tax
Self-assessment income tax returns for sole traders, directors and landlords, filed right, with every relief claimed.
If you are self-employed, a company director, a landlord or anyone with income outside the PAYE system, you fall under self-assessment and must file an income tax return each year. Our income tax service in Ireland takes care of the whole Form 11 process: calculating your liability correctly, claiming every relief you are entitled to, and filing on time through ROS.
Who needs to file a Form 11?
Self-assessment applies to “chargeable persons”, which generally includes:
- Sole traders and self-employed professionals
- Company directors with a material interest in their company
- Landlords with rental income
- Individuals with significant investment, foreign or other non-PAYE income
If that is you, you must register for income tax and submit a Form 11 each year, declaring all your income and paying any tax due along with preliminary tax for the next period. We confirm whether you are a chargeable person, register you correctly, and take the annual return off your hands entirely.
Every relief and credit claimed
The difference between a return filed by someone who knows the system and one filed in a hurry is often real money. We make sure yours reflects everything you are legitimately entitled to:
- All allowable business or rental expenses
- Capital allowances on equipment, vehicles and qualifying assets
- The personal tax credits and reliefs that apply to your circumstances
- Pension contributions and other deductions that reduce your liability
Because thresholds, bands and credits change from year to year, we always work from the current rules and confirm the figures with you. You can trust the return is both compliant and as efficient as the law allows.
Sole trader or limited company?
A common question is whether to stay a sole trader or incorporate. The answer turns on your profit level, how much you draw versus reinvest, your appetite for compliance and your longer-term plans. We weigh up the tax case for a sole trader versus a limited company on your actual numbers, and if incorporating makes sense, our company secretarial services handle the formation and your corporation tax going forward.
Preliminary tax and cash flow
Your income tax bill is not just the balance for the year gone, it includes preliminary tax for the current year. Underpay and Revenue charge interest; overpay and you tie up cash unnecessarily. We calculate preliminary tax carefully and flag what is due in good time, so the autumn deadline never lands as a surprise.
Part of your wider compliance
Income tax rarely sits on its own. We bring it together with your VAT returns, payroll and overall tax compliance so your filings are consistent and nothing slips through. And once your return is in good order, our tax planning service looks ahead to reduce future bills the right way.
Local accountants for self-assessment across Ireland
You can meet us at our Mullingar office or our offices in Longford, Trim and Athlone, and we prepare income tax returns for clients all over Ireland.
Whether you need this year’s Form 11 filed, are weighing up incorporation, or have fallen behind and want to put it right, get in touch. Book a free consultation and we will take the stress out of your income tax.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is a Form 11 income tax return and who has to file one?
Form 11 is the self-assessment income tax return for chargeable persons in Ireland, typically self-employed sole traders, company directors with a material interest, landlords with rental income, and anyone with significant non-PAYE income. If you fall into one of these groups you generally must register for income tax and file a Form 11 each year. We confirm whether you are a chargeable person and handle the return for you.
When is the income tax return deadline in Ireland?
The self-assessment income tax deadline falls in the autumn each year, with an extended deadline for those who both pay and file online through ROS. Because the exact date moves year to year, we confirm the current deadline with you well in advance and make sure your return and payment are in on time.
Should I trade as a sole trader or a limited company in Ireland?
It depends on your profit level, your plans for the business and how much profit you take out versus reinvest. A sole trader is simpler and cheaper to run; a limited company can be more tax-efficient at higher profits and offers limited liability, but brings extra compliance. We model both for your situation so you can decide on the facts rather than a rule of thumb.
What expenses and reliefs can I claim on my income tax return?
Sole traders can deduct expenses wholly and exclusively incurred for the business; landlords can deduct allowable rental expenses and certain interest; and individuals may qualify for a range of credits and reliefs. The reliefs and amounts change from year to year, so we work from the current rules and claim everything you are entitled to.
Can you sort out previous years' returns I have missed?
Yes. We can prepare and file outstanding returns, calculate any liability, interest and surcharge, and where appropriate make a voluntary disclosure to Revenue to limit penalties and bring you back into compliance.
Get in touch
Let’s talk about your business
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our chartered accountants. We listen first, then show you exactly how we can help.