Graphic Designer & Illustrator

Claim every legitimate design expense and keep more of what you earn in Ireland.

Allowable Expenses

• Design Software & Subscriptions — Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Sketch, Affinity, stock image subscriptions, and font licences used for client work.
• Hardware & Peripherals — Mac or PC, drawing tablets, monitors, and colour calibration equipment.
• Printing & Materials — Printing costs for portfolio materials, client proofs, and physical products created for business purposes.
• Professional Development — Design courses, workshops, typography resources, and design event tickets.
• Home Office Costs — Proportional broadband, electricity, and workspace costs if you work from home.
• Marketing & Portfolio — Website hosting, portfolio platforms, and business card printing.

Tax Tips

• You can claim capital allowances on equipment at 12.5% per year over 8 years — keep purchase receipts and a fixed asset register.
• Irish VAT applies to most design services — register once your turnover exceeds €37,500 to start charging VAT at 23%.
• Foreign currency income from overseas clients must be converted to euros using the ECB rate on the date of payment.
• Revenue's myAccount portal (or ROS for larger incomes) is the standard way to file your Form 11 and pay tax online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Adobe Creative Cloud on my Form 11?

Yes. Software subscriptions used for client work are a fully deductible business expense on your Irish tax return. If the subscription has both personal and professional use, claim only the business proportion.

How are capital allowances for equipment calculated in Ireland?

Equipment is depreciated for tax purposes at 12.5% per year over 8 years — unlike the UK's Annual Investment Allowance, Ireland does not offer full first-year relief on most assets. Keep a fixed asset register and claim the annual allowance each year.

What Irish VAT rate applies to graphic design services?

Graphic design services are subject to Irish VAT at the standard rate of 23%. Register for VAT when your service turnover exceeds €37,500 per year. If you provide design to businesses in other EU countries, reverse charge rules may apply.

How do I handle a late-paying client for Irish tax purposes?

Under the accruals basis, income is taxed when earned — even if unpaid. If a client's debt becomes genuinely irrecoverable, you can claim a bad debt deduction in the year it becomes unrecoverable. Keep records of your attempts to recover the amount.