Ireland Tax Glossary for the Self-Employed

A plain-English guide to Ireland tax terminology. Whether you are filing your first self-assessment or managing ongoing Revenue obligations, this glossary covers the key terms every freelancer and sole trader should know.

Can I claim my coworking space membership as a business expense in Ireland?: Yes — coworking space membership fees are fully deductible as a business expense for self-employed sole traders in Ireland. Revenue (the Irish tax aut...
What is the home office relief for self-employed in Ireland and how do I claim it?: Self-employed people in Ireland can claim a proportion of home running costs as a business expense when they work from home. Revenue allows a deductio...
Can I claim my home broadband bill as a business expense when working from home in Ireland?: Yes — but only the business-use proportion. Because your home broadband is used for both personal and business purposes, Revenue requires you to claim...
Can I claim my mobile phone as a business expense in Ireland?: Yes — but only the business-use proportion. Because most phones serve both personal and business purposes, Revenue requires you to apportion the claim...
What mileage rate can I claim for business travel in Ireland as self-employed?: Self-employed sole traders in Ireland can claim actual fuel and running costs for business journeys, or use the civil service mileage rates as a bench...
What is the Form 11 filing deadline for self-employed in Ireland for 2024?: Form 11 is the main income tax return for self-employed individuals in Ireland. For the 2024 tax year, the key deadlines are: - Paper Form 11: 31 Octo...
How does Preliminary Tax work for self-employed in Ireland?: Preliminary Tax is an advance payment of your current year's income tax liability, paid in October/November alongside your previous year's tax return....
What are the USC rates for self-employed in Ireland in 2024?: Universal Social Charge (USC) is a tax on gross income for most earners in Ireland. For self-employed individuals with income over €100,000, a 3% surc...
How does PRSI Class S work for self-employed sole traders in Ireland?: Self-employed individuals in Ireland pay Class S PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance). This is a single flat rate of 4% on all income, with no employer...
What income tax rates apply to self-employed sole traders in Ireland in 2024?: Ireland has a two-band income tax system for 2024: - Standard rate: 20% on income up to the standard rate cut-off point - Higher rate: 40% on income a...
Can I claim my laptop as a business expense in Ireland?: Yes — you can claim your laptop as a business expense via capital allowances. In Ireland, capital allowances are calculated at 12.5% per year over 8 y...
How do capital allowances work for sole traders in Ireland?: Capital allowances in Ireland allow self-employed sole traders to deduct the cost of capital assets (equipment, machinery, vehicles) used in their bus...
Can I claim a van as a business expense for a self-employed sole trader in Ireland?: Yes — a van used for business is a qualifying capital asset in Ireland, and you can claim capital allowances at 12.5% per year over 8 years on its cos...
Why can't I claim commuting costs as a business expense in Ireland?: No — travel between your home and a fixed, regular place of work (commuting) is not an allowable expense in Ireland, just as in most other jurisdictio...
Can I claim my accountant's fees as a business expense in Ireland?: Yes — accountant's fees are fully deductible as a business expense in Ireland. Revenue allows deductions for costs incurred wholly and exclusively for...
Are legal fees tax deductible for self-employed sole traders in Ireland?: It depends on the nature of the legal fees. Revenue distinguishes between revenue (ongoing, trading) costs and capital costs. Allowable legal fees: de...
Can I claim professional indemnity insurance as a business expense in Ireland?: Yes — professional indemnity (PI) insurance is fully deductible as a business expense in Ireland. Revenue allows all insurance premiums paid wholly fo...
Can I claim professional membership fees as a sole trader in Ireland?: Yes — fees paid to professional bodies and trade associations relevant to your business are deductible in Ireland, provided membership is necessary fo...
Can I claim training and CPD costs as a self-employed person in Ireland?: Yes — training and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) costs are allowable expenses in Ireland when they are to maintain or improve skills in yo...
What is the VAT registration threshold in Ireland for 2024?: Ireland has two VAT registration thresholds: - Goods: €80,000 in turnover in any 12-month period - Services: €40,000 in turnover in any 12-month perio...