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Register as Self-employed

In order to set up as a sole trader you must register as self-employed with the Revenue. To register with the Revenue as a self-employed sole trader you must complete what is known as the Tax Registration Form ('TR1').

The taxes that may be relevant when setting up as a sole trader are as follows:

INCOME TAX

For self employed people, and individuals with income which is not collected through the PAYE system, income tax must be paid under the self assessment system.

For Example:

  • Self-employed persons i.e. people carrying on their own business including farming, professions, vocations etc.
  • Persons receiving income from sources where some or all of the tax cannot be collected under the PAYE system, for example:
    • profits from rents,
    • investment income,
    • foreign income and foreign pension

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UNIVERSAL SOCIAL CHARGE ('USC')

The Universal Social Charge (‘USC’) came into effect on 1 January 2011. The USC effectively replaces the charge to income levies and the health contributions. It is a charge payable on gross income, including notional pay, before any relief for any capital allowances, losses or pension contributions. The rate is progressive (0% to 10%) and differs based on different individuals. Certain exemptions from a charge to USC do apply.

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PAY RELATED SOCIAL INSURANCE ('PRSI')

If you are self-employed you pay PRSI contributions under Class S. Class S PRSI contributions are paid at a current rate of 3% on all income. When you register with the Revenue you should be automatically registered for Class S. 

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VALUE ADDED TAX ('VAT')

A self employed individual must register for VAT if their annual turnover exceeds or is likely to exceed the following current annual limits: €70,000 in respect of the supply of goods or €35,500 in respect of the supply of service. 

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RELEVANT CONTRACT TAX ('RCT')

If you are a self-employed subcontractor working in construction, forestry or meat processing you may apply for a C2 Certificate. This will allow you to receive payments from a contractor without RCT being deducted.

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BUSINESS NAME

At this point you may wish to register a business name. In order to register a business name you need to apply to the Companies Registration Office (‘CRO’) using Form RBN1 or online using Companies Online Registration Environment (‘CORE’).

Irishtaxback.ie will be happy to assist you in reviewing your business and determining if the above taxes are relevant for your business.

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