Sole Trader Or Limited Company? Setting Up Business In Ireland As An Expat With Paul Coffey (Part 1) Taxbytes For Expats podcast

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Sole Trader or Limited Company? Setting Up Business in Ireland as an Expat with Paul Coffey (Part 1)

17h ago 26:27

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Are you moving to Ireland with an existing business, freelancing for the first time, or wondering if it’s time to incorporate a limited company?

In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Coffey of Coffey Accounts—one of our go-to referral partners for freelancers and small business owners starting out (or levelling up) in Ireland.

Paul and I unpack the practical side of becoming a sole trader in Ireland, what’s involved in setting up a limited company, and why choosing the right structure from the start can save you a world of hassle later. We also chat through common pitfalls, commercial realities (not just the tax stuff), and why sole tradership might make perfect sense—until it doesn’t.

If you’re an expat or returning Irish passport holder thinking about working for yourself in Ireland, this episode will give you the clarity you need to take the next step. Part 2 coming soon, where we’ll get into director salaries, pensions, and planning for long-term growth.

Main Topics discussed in this Episode:

Sole Trader vs Limited Company: Paul explains the core differences between running a business as a sole trader and incorporating a limited company in Ireland.
Setting Up as a Sole Trader in Ireland: They walk through the practical process of registering as a sole trader, what paperwork is involved, and why Ireland is considered relatively straightforward for getting started.
Commercial vs Tax Considerations: Beyond the tax implications, Paul highlights real-world reasons clients might need a company structure.
When and Why to Transition from Sole Trader to Limited Company: How and when a growing business might benefit from incorporation.
Planning Ahead: Shareholding, Spouses, and Long-Term Strategy: Stephanie and Paul talk about the importance of thinking beyond the first year—considering shareholding arrangements, family involvement in the business, and future tax reliefs when setting up a company from day one.

Get in touch with Paul Coffey and mention the Podcast when you do!

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 086 087 4880

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-coffey-05081535/

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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at [email protected] or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/services-and-pricing/.

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