Starting a craft business in Ireland is exciting, but it also comes with legal and tax obligations. One of the first steps is registering your business with Revenue. This guide explains the process step by step, along with a handy checklist to keep you on track.
The way you structure your business affects your tax obligations and liability:
• Sole Trader – Simple, fewer formalities, unlimited liability.
• Partnership – Two or more people share profits and liabilities.
• Limited Company – Separate legal entity, limited liability, more compliance.
Depending on your business structure, you must register for the appropriate taxes:
• Income Tax / Self-Assessment – Register as self-employed using Form TR1.
• VAT – Required if turnover exceeds €85,000 (goods) or €42,500 (services).
• Corporation Tax – If forming a limited company, register within 30 days of trading.
• PAYE/PRSI – If you employ staff or are a company director paying yourself a salary.
If you are trading under a name other than your own, register it with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) using the CORE system (Form RBN1).
1. Obtain your PPSN (Personal Public Service Number).
2. Choose a business name (and register it with CRO if needed).
3. Register for tax with Revenue (Form TR1 via eRegistration).
4. Consider VAT registration based on your turnover.
5. Register for ROS (Revenue Online Service).
6. Keep accurate financial records.
7. File annual self-assessment tax returns (Form 11).
• 31 October – Annual tax return deadline (Form 11).
• Preliminary tax – Usually due by 31 October in the tax year.
• VAT returns – Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly depending on setup.
• Corporation tax – Must register within 30 days of starting trade.
• Revenue Starting a Business: https://www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/starting-a-business/registering.aspx
• Sole Trader Registration: https://www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/registering-for-tax/how-to-register-for-tax-as-a-sole-trader.aspx
• ROS (Revenue Online Service): https://www.revenue.ie/en/online-services/services/common/register-for-ros.aspx
• Companies Registration Office: https://core.cro.ie
☐ Decide your business structure (sole trader, partnership, company).
☐ Obtain PPSN (if you don’t already have one).
☐ Choose and register your business name with CRO (if not using your own name).
☐ Register for Income Tax / Self-Assessment with Revenue (Form TR1).
☐ Consider if VAT registration is required or beneficial.
☐ Register for Corporation Tax if setting up a company (Form TR2).
☐ Register for PAYE/PRSI if employing staff.
☐ Sign up for ROS (Revenue Online Service).
☐ Set up proper bookkeeping and record-keeping systems.
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