Are you ready to start your business journey in Ireland?

Starting a business in Ireland can be tough. The key to success isn’t just a great idea but also knowing the essentials: how to plan finances, choose the right legal form, and handle taxes.

Many new businesses struggle because they miss crucial steps in these areas. This free guide, "Starting a Business in Ireland" offers detailed advice on these topics. It will help you understand what you need to do before you start, which can save you from common pitfalls that many new businesses face. Use this guide to build a strong foundation for your business.


What You’ll Gain from This Guide

This guide lays out the essential steps for starting and running a business in Ireland, providing practical knowledge to tackle the process with confidence and accuracy.


You will:

  • Comprehensive Business Planning: Learn to forecast necessary expenses and understand cash flow to ensure your business does not run out of money. Gain insights on the importance of having a detailed business plan for securing financing.
  • Legal Structure Options: Understand the different legal forms your business can take and learn how these structures impact your liability and tax obligations.
  • Tax Registration and Management: Get detailed guidance on registering with the Revenue Commissioners, understanding the income tax, corporation tax, and VAT. Learn how to handle your tax obligations effectively to stay compliant.
  • Employer Registrations and Responsibilities: If your business will hire employees, learn about the necessary registrations and how to handle payroll taxes and employee rights.
  • Insurance and Risk Management::Find out what insurance is necessary to protect your business and your employees, covering areas like public liability, employers' liability, and income protection.

Who We Are


Sharkey Accountants is led by John Sharkey, CPA, a trusted accountant with over 20 years of experience in helping contractors and small business owners. John is dedicated to offering a highly personalised service, ensuring that each client receives tailored advice and support throughout their transition from PAYE to contracting.


With a focus on simplifying the complexities of tax compliance, company formation, and financial management, John and his team work closely with you to provide practical solutions that meet your unique needs. We’re here to ensure that you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

"John & the team have been my accountants for 8 years and have been brilliant for my contracting business. They provide expert guidance and support, are quick to respond & are always available for a call. They're very friendly, practical and easy to work with,
giving good value for money. "


- Jim Gallagher Engineering LTD

"I finally took the plunge in the last year and moved from a permanent employee role to start my own company so that I could start contracting. One of the main requirements was to engage with an accountant to get the information/guidance on setting up and running my own business. I reached out to Sharkey Accountants and from the initial call, the support, service and advice I've received has been very helpful and prompt. Having the accountancy firm take on the revenue aspect of the business, it removes the burden of meeting tax commitments. It has made the transition easy."


- Mary Barrett

MB Innovasyns Consultants Ltd

IT Consultant (Recently Incorporated)

"I have had Sharkey & Co as my accountants since 2020 and couldn’t fault them. Friendly, punctual, and helpful staff deliver on time every time with no errors. It means my finances are in safe hands with Sharkey & Co, which is a massive stress relief and something I don’t need to worry about anymore since joining them five years ago. I would strongly recommend Sharkey & Co. They are beyond helpful and always go the extra mile for me, the client—with extra help, quick response times, and always answering the phone.
I couldn’t recommend anyone more."


- Ethan Flynn

EJ Flynn Consulting Ltd