Looking to register as a sole trader in Ireland? We handle your self-employed registration with Revenue for Income Tax, helping you register for self-employment and set up your sole trader business without the paperwork.
When you start working for yourself or decide to set up a business on your own, you are considered self-employed or a sole trader. Is there a difference? There’s not really much. Whether you call yourself a sole trader or self-employed, the concept is the same: you’re running your own show! A sole trader is one of the major legal frameworks alongside partnership and limited companies. The term sole trader and self-employed applies to many types of businesses whether you are a freelance copywriter or provide any other kind of freelance services, run an online shop, work as an independent plumber, etc.
As a sole trader, you are responsible for all your business losses and are expected to pay taxes on your own profits. Here is how sole trader registration with Revenue works.
A sole trader is the simplest business structure with very little paperwork needed to get started. Before registering for tax, you must obtain a PPSN (Personal Public Service Number). This is a unique reference number needed for dealing with all public services and agencies including Revenue. To obtain PPSN in Ireland both Irish citizens and non-residents need to apply for the Department of Social Protection.
Your TRN (Tax Registration Number) will be the same as PPSN.
With Revenue’s eRegistration service, sole traders can easily handle their tax registration online – saving time and reducing paperwork. ERegistration is cheaper, faster, and more efficient than submitting a paper application. Non-residents of Ireland will need to complete a special Form TR1 (FT) to register for Revenue as sole traders.
Sole traders/self-employed pay Class S PRSI contributions. These are paid at a rate of 4.35% (from 01/10/2026) if your self-employed income is above €5,000 a year, with a minimum annual contribution of €650. If your self-employed income is below €5,000 a year, you do not pay Class S PRSI.
If you’re looking for a detailed look at tax obligations for sole traders, this sole trader tax guide is all you need. We surface the current rates of key taxes sole traders should pay in Ireland.
You need a PPSN, and your Tax Reference Number is the same as your PPSN. You can register online through ROS or myAccount using eRegistration. If online is not possible, you submit paper Form TR1. Non-residents register on Form TR1 (FT).
If you trade under a name that is not your own surname, you must register the business name with the CRO within one month. The fee is EUR 20 online through CORE, or EUR 40 on paper using form RBN1.
You pay preliminary tax and file your annual Income Tax return by 31 October each year.
Registering for revenue as a sole trader may seem a piece of cake. In reality, navigating the registration process can be tricky. Why not let experts guide you through it, ensuring a smooth start to your business journey? Let Chern & Co specialists unlock a hassle-free registration experience for just €250. Say goodbye to complex paperwork and hello to professional guidance!
Have questions? Our experienced team is here to help. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today!
Disclaimer: The content of this page is for information purposes only and is subject to change. It does not constitute any professional advice. No liability is accepted by Chern & Co for any actions taken or not taken in reliance on the information set out in this article. Professional, legal or tax advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action
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Our official registration reference is TCSP APP/1211/2018, and we are listed in the public TCSP register maintained by the Irish Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Unit.
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