MyAccount, ROS, and LPT Online
Managing taxes doesn’t have to be complicated. In Ireland, Revenue offers three online services
- MyAccount
- ROS, and
- LPT Online
The purpose of ROS and LPT Online is to simplify the process for all individuals in managing their tax obligations. Depending on whether you’re an individual taxpayer, a business owner, or a property owner, there’s a platform that’s perfect for you.
This guide will explain how each platform works, when and why to use them, and give practical examples. Let’s get into it!
1. myAccount: The Easy Way for Individuals to Manage Personal Taxes
If you’re an individual taxpayer (FAQ 6) in Ireland, myAccount is the platform you’ll likely use to handle your personal tax affairs. It’s designed for employees, self-employed individuals, pensioners, and anyone else who needs to file personal tax returns or manage tax credits.
How myAccount Works:
Let’s say Jack is employed full-time in Dublin. He uses myAccount to check his tax credits, file his Income Tax return, and pay his PRSI contributions at the end of the year.
Or maybe Anna, who’s self-employed, uses myAccount to file her Self-Assessment tax return and pay her USC and Income Tax. She can also update her tax credits based on her medical expenses.
What Can You Do on myAccount?
- File your Income Tax return if you’re self-employed or need to balance your taxes.
- Apply for Tax Credits (like the PAYE credit or medical expenses).
- Manage PRSI and USC contributions.
- File and pay Local Property Tax (LPT) if you own property.
- Request a Tax Refund if you’ve overpaid during the year.
How to Access it:
Simply visit the myAccount Portal and log in with your PPSN. It’s all straightforward once you’re signed up!
2. ROS: The Business Platform for VAT, PAYE, and More
If you’re a business owner, self-employed, or tax agent (an accountant or a tax advisor), then ROS (Revenue Online Service) is the platform you’ll use to handle business-related taxes. Whether you’re filing Corporation Tax, income tax, VAT, PAYE, or other taxes, ROS gives you all the tools you need to stay compliant.
How ROS Works:
Take Ciara, for example. She owns a small retail business in Cork. She uses ROS to file her VAT returns every quarter, pay her PAYE for employees, and submit her Corporation Tax return each year.
Dara, a tax agent, uses ROS to file tax returns for his clients – businesses and self-employed individuals – including VAT and Corporation Tax returns.
What Can You Do on ROS?
- Submit Corporation Tax returns (e.g., CT1).
- File VAT returns and make payments for VAT due.
- Handle PAYE returns for employees (e.g., P30, P35).
- Apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate when needed for business dealings.
- Make payments for various taxes, including VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax.
How to Access it:
To get started with ROS, you’ll need to create a ROS account. Visit ROS Registration to sign up, and make sure to have your ROS Access Number (RAN) and digital certificate ready. Ref: FAQ 7.
3. LPT Online: For Property Owners Managing Local Property Tax
If you’re a property owner, LPT Online is the platform you’ll use to manage your Local Property Tax (LPT). This service allows property owners to file their LPT returns, make payments, and even apply for exemptions or deferrals if needed.
How LPT Online Works:
For example, Tom owns a home in Galway. He uses LPT Online to file his LPT return by declaring the value of his property. He then uses the platform to pay his LPT.
Siobhán, who has a second property, applies for an LPT deferral because of financial hardship. She files her return and claims a deferral through LPT Online.
What Can You Do on LPT Online?
- File your LPT Return and declare the value of your property.
- Pay your Local Property Tax directly through the platform.
- Apply for deferrals or exemptions from LPT if you meet the criteria.
- Update your property details (e.g., if you move or sell a property).
- Access your payment history and balances.
How to Access it:
To get started with LPT Online, visit the LPT Online Portal. You’ll need your PPSN and property details to register.
Which Service Should You Use?
Choosing between myAccount, ROS, and LPT Online depends on your situation. Here’s a quick guide to help:
- Use myAccount if you’re an individual managing personal taxes like Income Tax, PRSI, USC, or LPT (if you own a property).
- Use ROS if you’re a business owner, self-employed, or a tax agent managing VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and other business-related tax filings.
- Use LPT Online if you’re a property owner managing your Local Property Tax.
Summary: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | myAccount | ROS | LPT Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Individuals (employees, self-employed, pensioners) | Businesses, self-employed, tax agents | Property owners |
| Main Focus | Personal income tax, PRSI, USC, tax credits, LPT | Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, business taxes | Local Property Tax (LPT) |
| Common Use Cases | File personal tax returns, update credits, manage LPT | File corporate tax returns, manage VAT and PAYE | File and pay LPT, claim deferrals/exemptions |
| What Tax Types | Income Tax, PRSI, USC, LPT | Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, PRSI | Local Property Tax (LPT) |
| Best For | Employees, pensioners, self-employed | Businesses, professionals, and tax agents | Homeowners and property owners |
| Access | myAccount | ROS | LPT Online |
Additional Guidance for Sole Traders and Limited Companies
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, understanding your responsibilities is key to staying compliant and avoiding penalties. Here’s a quick guide tailored to sole traders and limited companies in Ireland:
✅ For Sole Traders:
If you’re self-employed and not trading through a registered company, you’re considered a sole trader.
What You Need to Do:
- Register as self-employed with Revenue (if you haven’t already)
- Use myAccount to:
- File your Form 11 (Income Tax Return) annually
- Pay USC and PRSI
- Claim business-related expenses and tax credits
- If you’re VAT-registered, use ROS to:
- File VAT returns (usually bi-monthly or quarterly)
- Make tax payments and apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate
- If you own property, use LPT Online to manage your Local Property Tax
Top Tip: Even if your income is modest, staying organised with digital records and submitting returns on time builds a strong financial track record — which can help if you apply for loans or grants later.
✅ For Limited Companies:
If your business is a registered company with the Companies Registration Office (CRO), different rules apply.
What You Need to Do:
- Use ROS to:
- File your CT1 (Corporation Tax Return) annually
- Submit VAT and PAYE returns
- Handle employer PRSI for any staff
- Apply for Tax Clearance and make all business tax payments
- File your Annual Return separately through the CRO
- Use LPT Online if the company owns any property
Important: You’ll also need a digital certificate for ROS — a secure file that acts like a digital signature. This is essential for submitting returns and managing payments.
Top Tip: Many companies choose to work with accountants or tax advisors to help manage deadlines and compliance. It’s a worthwhile investment, especially during busy financial periods.
How to Access Each Service
Here are the direct links to the three platforms mentioned:
- myAccount: https://www.ros.ie/myaccount-web/sign_in.html
(For individuals managing personal taxes like Income Tax, PRSI, USC, or tax credits) - ROS (Revenue Online Service): https://www.ros.ie/
(For business owners, self-employed professionals, and tax agents to handle VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and more) - LPT Online (Local Property Tax): https://lpt.revenue.ie/lpt-web/views/login.html
(For property owners to file, pay, or defer Local Property Tax)
Additional Guidance for Sole Traders and Limited Companies
✅ For Sole Traders:
- Register and manage personal taxes via myAccount
- File VAT returns and make payments via ROS (if VAT registered)
- Manage Local Property Tax (if applicable) via LPT Online
✅ For Limited Companies:
- Submit Corporation Tax, VAT, and PAYE returns via ROS
- Apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate via ROS
- Manage property-related taxes via LPT Online (if the company owns property)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! For example, if you’re self-employed and own a property, you might use myAccount for your income tax and LPT Online to manage your property tax.
Not at all. While tax agents use ROS regularly, any registered business owner can file their own returns through ROS after completing the registration.
Each platform has a “Forgot Login” or recovery process. For myAccount, you can reset access using your PPSN and date of birth. For ROS, recovery may require reissuing your digital certificate. LPT Online access can be recovered through your PPSN and property ID.
Absolutely. All Revenue portals use secure encryption and authentication processes. Just make sure you’re accessing the official government websites.
Yes, both myAccount and LPT Online allow you to apply for tax credits, exemptions, or refunds if you meet the eligibility criteria.
An individual taxpayer in Ireland refers to a person who is personally responsible for paying taxes on their income, rather than doing so through a business entity like a limited company.
This includes:
✅ Employees
⏩ People who earn wages or salaries from an employer (PAYE system)
⏩ Taxes are usually deducted at source by the employer
✅ Self-Employed Individuals / Sole Traders
⏩ People who run their own business or freelance
⏩ Responsible for calculating and paying their own taxes through self-assessment
✅ Pensioners
⏩ Retired individuals receiving pensions that may be subject to income tax
✅ People with Additional Income
⏩ For example, someone employed full-time but also earning rental income, investment income, or freelance income on the side
✅ Non-residents with Irish income
⏩ Individuals living abroad but earning income from an Irish source (e.g. rental income from Irish property)
1: Go to the ROS Registration Page
Visit: https://www.ros.ie
2. Select “ROS for Self-Employed or Business”
Choose the option that applies to you:
⏩ Self-Employed / Sole Trader
⏩ Company / Partnership
⏩ Agent (for accountants or tax agents)
3. Enter Your Details
You’ll be asked for:
⏩ PPSN or Tax Reference Number
⏩ Name / Business Name
⏩ Address
⏩ Contact details (email and phone)
4. Receive Your RAN by Post
Once submitted, Revenue will post the RAN to your registered address (the one they have on file for your tax record).
👉 This usually takes 3–5 working days.
5. Continue ROS Registration
Once you have the RAN:
⏩ Return to the ROS login page
⏩ Use the RAN to request your digital certificate
⏩ Download and install your certificate — this is required to securely access ROS services
🔒 Why a RAN and Digital Certificate?
⏩ The RAN confirms your identity and links you to your tax record.
⏩ The digital certificate protects your information and authorises actions like submitting VAT or PAYE returns.
Yes, you can file your year-end accounts through the Revenue Online Service (ROS), but not via myAccount.
Filing Year-End Accounts in Ireland
If you’re self-employed or a sole trader, you can file your Income Tax Return (Form 11) through myAccount. This allows you to:
⏩ Declare additional income
⏩ Claim tax credits and reliefs
⏩ Get a Statement of Liability
⏩ Request refunds for any overpaid taxes
However, if you’re filing as a company, you’ll need to submit your year-end accounts in iXBRL format via ROS. This includes:
⏩ Directors’ report
⏩ Auditor’s report
⏩ Statement of profit and loss
⏩ Balance sheet
⏩ Statement of cash flows
⏩ Statement of changes in equity
⏩ Notes to the accounts
⏩ Detailed profit and loss account
For more detailed guidance on submitting financial statements in iXBRL, you can check out Revenue’s official page here: Revenue.ie – Submitting Financial Statements.
Steps to File Your Year-End Accounts
1. Register for ROS: If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to register for ROS (Revenue Online Service). You’ll also need a digital certificate, which you can get through myAccount. For more details on registering, check out this guide: ROS Registration Instructions.
2. Prepare Your Financial Statements: Make sure your financial statements are in the correct iXBRL format. You may need accounting software or a professional accountant’s help to generate these.
3. Sign in to ROS: Once you’re registered, sign in to ROS at revenue.ie – ROS Sign In.
4. Submit Your Financial Statements: Head to the relevant section on ROS for submitting your financial statements, then follow the instructions to upload your iXBRL files.
5. Complete the Corporation Tax Return (CT1): Along with your financial statements, you’ll also need to complete and submit your CT1 form, which is also done through ROS.
A Few Important Things to Keep in Mind:
⏩ myAccount vs. ROS: myAccount is mainly for personal taxes, while ROS is designed for businesses and tax agents, so your company tax filings should go through ROS.
⏩ Deadlines: Make sure you’re aware of the deadlines for filing your returns to avoid any penalties.
⏩ Professional Help: If you’re unsure about preparing your iXBRL statements, it might be worth speaking to an accountant or tax professional.
Conclusion: Making Tax Management Simple
Thanks to myAccount, ROS, and LPT Online, managing your taxes in Ireland has never been easier. Each platform is designed to make tax filings, payments, and updates straightforward, and knowing which service to use will help you stay compliant and avoid any stress come tax season.
Whether you’re an employee trying to sort your Income Tax, a business owner filing VAT, or a property owner managing Local Property Tax, there’s a service for you. If you’re still unsure about which one to use, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Revenue or ask for help.
