Worried about Leaving the Security of PAYE Behind?
Making the move from a stable PAYE job to contracting can feel like stepping into the unknown. Suddenly, the certainty of a regular paycheck, employer-handled taxes, and administrative support is gone. You might be wondering,
"How will I manage my finances? What about taxes, compliance, and all the legal requirements?"
These are valid concerns, but they don't have to hold you back.
This guide is designed to answer all those questions and more, ensuring you understand the steps needed to set up and manage your own contracting business in Ireland with confidence. This guide offers expert insights and practical advice, and will give you the clarity you need to make this transition seamlessly—turning uncertainty into opportunity.
What You’ll Gain from This Guide
This guide offers a clear roadmap for your transition from PAYE to contracting. No more guesswork, no more confusion—just practical steps you can take to start your journey confidently and compliantly.
You will:
- Understand the Legal and Financial Foundations: Learn how to set up and run your own limited company, from incorporation to tax compliance, so you can hit the ground running without fear of missing any critical steps.
- Maximise Your Financial Benefits: Discover how to optimise your income through tax efficiencies, business expenses, and pension planning—allowing you to keep more of what you earn and build a solid financial future.
- Avoid Common Pitfalls: Gain insights into the challenges new contractors often face, and learn how to avoid them by staying compliant with tax laws, managing your cash flow effectively, and protecting your personal assets.
- Feel Confident in Your Next Steps: Armed with the knowledge and tools provided in this guide, you’ll move forward with the confidence to succeed as a contractor in Ireland, secure in the knowledge that you’re making informed decisions.
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