Wedding & Events Planner

Plan your tax as carefully as you plan your clients' perfect day in Ireland.

Allowable Expenses

• Vendor Payments (on behalf of clients) — Payments to florists, photographers, venues — these are client recharges, not your own expense.
• Samples & Site Visits — Travel and admission costs for venue visits and supplier meetings on behalf of clients.
• Planning Software & Tools — Event management software, HoneyBook, and project management tool subscriptions.
• Marketing & Branding — Website, portfolio photography, Instagram advertising, and wedding fair booth fees.
• Professional Insurance — Public liability and professional indemnity insurance for events work.
• Travel — Mileage at Revenue's approved rate and accommodation for events requiring overnight stays.

Tax Tips

• Vendor costs passed through on behalf of clients are not your income or expense — only your planning and coordination fee is your taxable income.
• Wedding fair exhibition costs — booth, samples, and marketing materials — are fully deductible marketing expenses.
• Deposits received for future events are taxable income in the year received in Ireland.
• Revenue requires six years of records — keep contracts, supplier invoices, and client communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are deposits taxable when received in Ireland?

Yes. Deposits taken from clients are taxable income in the year received — you cannot defer them to the event year. Declare all deposits on your Form 11.

How do I handle vendor payments on behalf of clients?

Pass-through payments to florists, venues, and other vendors are not your income or expense. Only your planning fee or commission is your taxable income. Keep clear records separating client funds from your own.

Is public liability insurance deductible?

Yes. Public liability and professional indemnity insurance for wedding and events planning is a fully deductible business expense.

How do I handle a client deposit that is later refunded in Ireland?

A deposit included as income in a prior year that is subsequently refunded creates an allowable deduction in the year the refund is made. Keep clear records of the original payment, the reason for the refund, and any bank transfer confirming the refund amount.