How long do I need to keep business records and receipts as a sole trader in Ireland?

Revenue requires you to keep all business records for a minimum of 6 years from the end of the accounting period to which they relate. This is longer than the UK requirement. Records to keep: sales invoices and receipts issued to customers, purchase invoices and receipts for all business expenses, bank statements (showing all business transactions), mileage logs, payroll records (if you have employees), VAT records (if VAT registered), and records of any capital purchases. Revenue can open a compliance check (investigation) within this 6-year window, and you must produce records on request. Failure to produce records can result in estimated assessments and penalties. Digital records are accepted — scanned copies and digital photos of receipts are fine. Using accounting software and scanning apps (like Dext/Receipt Bank) is recommended.

• Keep records for 6 years minimum from the end of the relevant accounting period
• Longer than UK (5 years) — Irish requirement is 6 years
• Records include: invoices, receipts, bank statements, mileage logs, VAT records
• Revenue can investigate any return within the 6-year window
• Digital records (scans, accounting software) are accepted and recommended