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Posted: Mon 2nd Mar 2026
Last updated: Mon 2nd Mar 2026
6 min read
If you're running a business and making money, you reach a point where things like VAT, PAYE and PRSI come into play.
Not because you've done anything wrong, and not because Revenue is "after you". But because your business is growing.
The problem is, no-one really explains this stuff properly, so people either panic… or keep themselves small to avoid it.
Let's slow it all down and explain it simply.
VAT (value added tax) is a tax some businesses must charge on top of their prices and give to Revenue.
You don't register for VAT just because you feel like it. You register when your business reaches a certain size.
You need to register for VAT when your yearly turnover goes over:
This is about sales, not profit – and how much money you have coming in.
This part has changed in recent years and catches people out. VAT thresholds are now based on the calendar year (January to December).
They used to be looked at on a rolling 12-month basis, but that's no longer the case. Revenue now looks at what you earn within the year, and whether it's clear you're heading for the threshold.
So if your income is steadily increasing and it's obvious you'll pass the limit before year-end, you're expected to register before you actually hit it.
This is where mindset comes in. I see business owners doing these things all the time:
Turning work down
Capping income
Not raising prices
Staying busy but underpaid
All to avoid VAT.
Don't see VAT as a punishment. In fact, it's a sign that your business is moving into its next stage.
Yes, you must plan for it properly. Yes, you'll need to look at your pricing. But staying small to avoid VAT often causes more stress and burnout than growth ever would.
You can't register for VAT just so you can claim VAT back on expenses.
Revenue will usually want to see that:
you're actively trading (or about to start)
your business is real
you have customers or contracts
There's more to registering for VAT than just filling in a form. Revenue may ask for proof of trading, bank details, a business address or a lease.
Once you're registered:
VAT returns are usually every two months to start
the VAT you collect is not your money – you need to set it aside
If you make a small mistake on a VAT return, you can usually fix it in the next return (up to €6,000) without notifying Revenue.
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) apply when you start paying employees. That includes:
employees
directors (yes, even yourself if you have a company)
family members on wages
Once you pay someone through payroll, you need to be registered for PAYE and PRSI and report payroll to Revenue in real time.
This often surprises people who set up a company and don't realise that paying themselves means payroll, even if they're the only person in the business.
Once you know you need to register, the steps are simpler than you might expect.
You register online through the Revenue Online Service (ROS), whether you're doing it for VAT, PAYE or PRSI.
You'll answer some basic questions about your business, like:
what you do
when you started trading
your expected turnover
They may ask for supporting documents. This isn't to catch you out, but to confirm that your business is genuine.
They might ask for:
proof of trading or contracts
bank details
proof of address
a lease or rental agreement
Revenue will review the application. Sometimes, they're quick to approve. Other times, they come back with questions. This is normal and doesn't mean there's a problem.
Once they've approved your application, you'll get confirmation and filing dates. This letter will tell you:
when VAT or payroll starts
when returns are due
how often you need to file
If your business is growing, or you can see it heading that way, getting advice before you hit thresholds makes everything calmer.
That way, you get to plan your pricing, protect your cash flow and grow without fear.
And most importantly, you stop making decisions from a place of panic or avoidance.
With the right set-up, registration is just another admin step in a growing business, not something to worry about.
VAT, PAYE, PRSI – what they mean, when you need them and what to do next. Read our tax guide now
