🚀 Accounting for early-stage Irish companies

Your Startup Accountant,
From Formation
to Growth.

Forti supports Irish founders, international founders and e-commerce businesses through formation, Revenue registration, monthly bookkeeping, annual accounts, grants and payroll — all connected from the start.

Get a Free Startup Accounting Review Monthly plans from €195 + VAT

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Company set-up

Structure, shares, registered office, RBO and the first compliance calendar.

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Bookkeeping from month one

Cloud records, bank feeds, receipts, VAT and reconciliations kept current.

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Tax and funding support

Section 486C, R&D credit, grant documentation and Revenue registrations.

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Support that grows with you

Management accounts, investor reporting and payroll added when the business needs them.

YOUR STARTUP ACCOUNTING ROADMAP

Structure

Choose sole trader or company and agree the ownership structure.

CRO, RBO and Revenue registrations in the right sequence.

Record

Set up bookkeeping, bank feeds, receipts and VAT records.

Report

Accounts, tax returns, forecasts and funding packs prepared.

Claim

Section 486C, R&D credit and other available reliefs assessed.

Hire

Scale

Management accounts, cost-centre reporting and cash-flow forecasts.

Stay compliant

CT1, B1, VAT, payroll and statutory records coordinated.

FORMATION FROM

€295 + VAT

MONTHLY ACCOUNTING FROM

€195 + VAT/mo

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Monthly accounting

From €195 + VAT/month

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Formation

From €295 + VAT — CRO fee included

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E-commerce supported

Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce

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Based in

Sandyford, Dublin 18

This Service Is for You If

Irish and international founders at every stage — pre-revenue, newly incorporated or in the first year of trading.

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About to incorporate or formed within the last year

You want one team to coordinate bookkeeping, tax and CRO compliance from the start.

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Applying for a grant, loan or investment

You need projections or certified accounts for a grant, lender or investor review.

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Selling through Shopify, Amazon or online channels

You need cross-border VAT, OSS, settlement reconciliation and platform accounting support.

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Pre-revenue and getting organised

You want the accounts set up properly before trading starts — not scrambled together at year-end.

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Deciding between sole trader and limited company

You want a direct comparison based on your actual figures — not a generic answer about 12.5% CT.

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Ready to hire your first person

You want payroll added only when you are ready — PAYE registration, payslips and auto-enrolment all handled.

Your Startup Accounting Roadmap

Eight stages — from choosing the right structure through to staying fully compliant as the business grows.

Structure

Choose sole trader or company. Agree ownership, share structure and officer roles.

CRO incorporation, RBO filing and Revenue registrations in the right sequence.

Record

Cloud bookkeeping, bank feeds, receipt capture and VAT records from day one.

Report

Prepare accounts, tax returns, forecasts and funding packs as required.

Claim

Section 486C, R&D credit and other available reliefs assessed each year.

Hire

Employer PAYE registered before the first salary. MyFutureFund considered at hiring stage.

Scale

Add management accounts, cost-centre reporting and cash-flow forecasts when needed.

Stay compliant

CT1, B1, VAT returns, payroll and statutory records coordinated throughout.

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

The 12.5% Corporation Tax rate does not decide the answer on its own. Your structure should reflect expected profit, personal drawings, commercial risk and plans for ownership or investment.

👤Sole Trader

Simpler to set up and run — no CRO filing required

More practical where profits are modest or most earnings are drawn personally

Can suit the early test stage before a stable trading model is confirmed

Personal liability — no separation between business and personal risk

All profits taxed at personal income tax rates regardless of what is drawn

Convertible to a company later, but restructuring adds cost and complexity

Around €50,000 of sustained annual profit is a useful point to review incorporation — not an automatic threshold.

🏢Limited Company

Limited liability — company debts separate from personal assets

12.5% CT rate on qualifying trading profits retained in the company

Section 486C relief can reduce or eliminate CT in early years

Share structure allows founder equity, investment and staff options

CRO, RBO, annual returns and Revenue registrations required from incorporation

Personal income via salary or dividends — each with separate tax treatment

Can suit a business built to scale where profits are sustained or funds can remain in the company.

See the full Sole Trader vs Limited Company comparison →

Startup Company Formation

Formation is not just the CRO application. The share structure, constitution, registered office, beneficial ownership records and first filing dates should reflect how you plan to build the business.

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Name, activity and constitution

Company name and activity reviewed before filing. Constitution and NACE code matched to the business. Shareholdings and classes agreed between founders.

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Registered office and secretary

Registered office and company secretary arrangements confirmed. RBO registration and Revenue set-up coordinated after incorporation.

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First compliance calendar

First Annual Return date and year-end calendar recorded from day one. RBO, Revenue registrations and bookkeeping start all mapped from incorporation.

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Identity and beneficial ownership

PPSNs or IPNs matched to officers and beneficial owners before CRO and RBO filings. AML and identity checks completed during onboarding.

Formation Only

From €295 + VAT

For founders who need the legal company registration and core formation documents.

View Company Registration →

Formation and First Compliance

From €1,250 + VAT

Where the company also needs the first registrations, registered office and compliance support.

Compare Formation Packages →

Revenue Registrations and VAT

CRO incorporation does not register the company for tax. Corporation Tax, VAT and employer PAYE are separate Revenue registrations, and the timing depends on when the company starts trading and paying people.

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Corporation Tax

Notify Revenue within 30 days of commencing trade. The date is tied to the real start of trading, not simply the incorporation date.

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VAT

The main thresholds are €85,000 for goods and €42,500 for services. Other transactions can create an earlier registration requirement.

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Voluntary VAT registration

A pre-revenue business can apply, but Revenue may ask for evidence of a genuine intention to make taxable supplies — contracts, premises, setup spending and a credible trading plan.

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Employer PAYE

Register before the first salary payment to an employee or company director. The registration must be active before that first payment — not after.

View Revenue Registration services →

Startup Bookkeeping from Month One

A startup can have few transactions and still need disciplined records. Clean books reduce year-end cost, support grant and investor requests, and show the founder how much cash is genuinely available.

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Cloud accounting set-up

Xero or another suitable system configured with bank feeds, receipt capture and a chart of accounts built for the business model.

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Monthly reconciliations

Bank, card, Stripe, PayPal and other balances matched to the supporting transactions every month, not just at year-end.

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Tax-ready records

VAT, payroll, expenses, fixed assets and director balances recorded consistently from the start — ready for Revenue review at any point.

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Due-diligence ready

A structured general ledger and balance sheet make later investor, lender and grant reviews easier to support without reconstruction.

View Online Bookkeeping → View Growing Business Accounting →

Accounting for E-Commerce Startups

A Shopify or Amazon startup has a different accounting trail from a service company. Marketplace settlements, payment-gateway fees, inventory, returns and stock held in other countries can all affect the books and VAT position.

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Sales-channel reconciliation

Gross sales, fees, refunds and net payouts matched — rather than posting only the bank deposit.

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Cross-border VAT

Irish VAT, OSS, IOSS, stock locations and marketplace rules reviewed against the actual supply chain.

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Stock and margin

Inventory, freight, duty, fulfilment and advertising linked to sales so product margin can be measured accurately.

A non-resident seller storing stock in Ireland or another EU country can face VAT registration before reaching the normal domestic turnover threshold. The stock flow should be reviewed before the first shipment.

View E-Commerce Accounting → Read the E-Commerce Bookkeeping Guide →

Annual Accounts and Start-Up Relief

The first annual accounts establish the opening pattern for Corporation Tax, CRO filing, audit exemption and future reporting. Forti coordinates the financial statements, CT1 and B1 from the same reconciled records.

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Section 486C threshold

Full Corporation Tax relief can apply where the qualifying CT liability is €40,000 or less, with marginal relief up to €60,000, during the first five years of a qualifying trade.

Full: ≤€40k · Marginal: €40k–€60k

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Employer PRSI cap

Relief is capped by qualifying Class A employer PRSI actually paid, up to €5,000 per employee and €40,000 overall for the accounting period.

€5,000/employee · €40,000 aggregate

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Director Class S PRSI

For accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025, Class S PRSI remitted for a director can count, up to €1,000 per individual.

€1,000 per director from Jan 2025

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No PRSI means no relief

A company with no qualifying salary or PRSI activity in the period has no Section 486C relief available for that period. The qualifying trade and CT liability must also be reviewed.

Check eligibility before year-end

Section 486C is not an automatic cancellation of the tax bill. The qualifying trade, CT liability and PRSI cap must all be checked in the company return.

View Year-End Accounts → View Limited Company Accounting →

Grants, Funding and Investor Support

Forti is not a grant-writing agency. We prepare the financial information behind the application and keep the records ready for later claims, reporting and due diligence.

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Financial projections

Profit and loss, cash-flow and funding assumptions prepared around the application or investor model.

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Certified or current accounts

Existing companies may need signed accounts or up-to-date management information before a funding decision is made.

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Grant tax treatment

Capital grants can reduce expenditure qualifying for capital allowances. Revenue or employment grants can enter the trading computation unless a specific exemption applies.

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R&D Corporation Tax Credit

Qualifying expenditure can attract a 35% credit for relevant accounting periods ending in 2026 or later, subject to the statutory tests and claim deadlines.

Every grant agreement should be reviewed separately. The accounting treatment depends on what the funding pays for, the scheme conditions and any linked tax relief.

Payroll When You Are Ready to Hire

Many startups do not need payroll immediately. It becomes necessary before the company pays a director or employee, and the employer registration must be active before that first payment.

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First-hire set-up

Employer PAYE registration, employee details, pay date, RPN and payroll process prepared before the first payslip. Forti sets this up before the payment runs.

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Full employment cost

Gross salary, employer PRSI and MyFutureFund contributions included in the hiring budget from the start. Phase 1: 1.5% employee / 1.5% employer / 0.5% State from 1 January 2026.

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Director payroll

PAYE and USC processed through payroll, with the correct director PRSI class checked separately. Forti flags the implications before the first run.

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Growth-stage support

Bonuses, benefits, pensions, share arrangements and R&D payroll records coordinated as the team expands.

View Small Business Payroll → View Payroll Services →

Startup Accounting Pricing

Forti uses fixed packages so you can see the recurring cost before work starts. The right package depends on the structure, transaction volume and reporting needs. All fees exclude VAT at 23%.

FORMATION

Formation Only

From ^€295

+ VAT — CRO fee included

CRO registration and government fee
Certificate of Incorporation
Company constitution
Share certificates
Year-one compliance roadmap

View formation →

FORMATION + COMPLIANCE

Formation and Compliance

From ^€1,250

+ VAT — CRO fee included

Everything in Formation Only
VAT and employer PAYE registration
Registered office for 12 months
RBO filing
First six-month B1

Compare packages →

Get an exact startup quote

One review. A clear scope and fee for the stage you are at now — no generic rates.

Get an exact quote

How Forti Supports Your Startup

Five stages — from the initial structure review through to the annual and growth work built on the same records.

Stage review

Structure, trading date, founders, registrations and next funding or hiring milestone confirmed.

Set-up plan

Formation, Revenue, bookkeeping and compliance work mapped in the order it needs to happen.

Accounting system built

Bank feeds, receipt capture, chart of accounts and reporting categories configured for the business model.

Monthly work and founder support

Books reconciled, tax records maintained and questions answered by a team that knows the company.

Annual and growth work

Same records feed annual accounts, CT1, B1, grant packs, investor reports, management accounts and payroll.

What We Need to Start

Most of this can be shared in a short conversation. Forti confirms the exact document list after the initial review.

Your incorporation documents, or founder and shareholding details if the company has not been formed yet
A short description of the product, service, customers and expected trading date
Business bank and payment-platform information
Existing invoices, receipts, contracts and setup expenditure
Details of grants, investors, loans or planned funding applications
The expected VAT, e-commerce, hiring and payroll activity

Common Startup Accounting Mistakes

Incorporating before agreeing founder ownership

Changing shares later adds legal, tax and company-secretarial work that could have been avoided with the right structure from the start.

Assuming CRO registration covers Revenue

The company still needs the tax registrations that match its trading and payroll activity — these are separate steps that don't happen automatically.

Waiting until year-end to start bookkeeping

Missing receipts and unreconciled bank activity make accounts, grants and tax returns slower and more expensive to prepare.

Treating VAT thresholds as the only VAT test

Purchases from abroad, stock locations, non-resident activity and cross-border sales can create separate obligations before thresholds are reached.

Assuming Section 486C removes all startup tax

The relief is limited by qualifying PRSI and only applies to qualifying Corporation Tax from the new trade. A company with no PRSI has no relief.

Accepting a grant without checking the tax treatment

Capital and revenue grants can affect the accounts and tax computation differently — always review the treatment before signing the grant agreement.

Why Startups Choose Forti

Four things that matter when you are building from scratch.

One connected accounting record

The same bookkeeping data supports VAT, annual accounts, grants, management reporting and investor requests — no reconstruction at year-end.

Services added at the right stage

You can begin with formation and bookkeeping, then add payroll or management accounts when the business needs them — not before.

Ireland-specific compliance

Revenue registrations, CRO deadlines and startup reliefs are reviewed against current Irish rules — not generic advice applied to any jurisdiction.

Direct founder support

You have a clear contact and fixed scope rather than a series of disconnected providers each billing for the same information.

Related Forti Services

Common Questions From Startup Founders

What does a startup accountant do?

A startup accountant coordinates structure, tax registration, bookkeeping, annual accounts and founder reporting. The role expands into grants, investment packs, management accounts and payroll as the company grows.

When should I appoint an accountant?

The best point is before incorporation or the first business transaction. Early advice helps you choose the structure, record founder funding correctly and set up the first compliance dates.

Should I start as a sole trader or limited company?

It depends on profit, personal drawings, liability and growth plans. Around €50,000 of sustained annual profit is a useful review point, not an automatic rule. Forti compares both structures using your actual figures.

How much does it cost to form a company with Forti?

Formation Only starts from €295 + VAT. Formation and Compliance starts from €1,250 + VAT, depending on the registrations and first-year support selected.

How much does startup accounting cost?

Forti's LTD Starter package begins at €195 + VAT per month and includes monthly bookkeeping, annual financial statements, CT1, B1 and VAT support within the package limits.

Does CRO incorporation register the company for tax?

No. Revenue registration is separate. A trading company normally needs Corporation Tax registration, while VAT and employer PAYE depend on the activity and thresholds.

When must a startup register for VAT?

The main thresholds are €85,000 for goods and €42,500 for services. Voluntary registration and certain cross-border or foreign-service transactions can create a different answer before those thresholds.

Can a pre-revenue startup register for VAT?

Yes, where it intends to make taxable supplies. Revenue can ask for evidence such as contracts, setup spending, premises, supplier arrangements and a credible trading plan.

What is Section 486C Start-Up Relief?

It can reduce qualifying Corporation Tax during the first five years of a new trade. Full relief applies up to a €40,000 CT liability, with marginal relief up to €60,000, but the amount is capped by qualifying PRSI paid.

Does a solo founder qualify for Section 486C without employees?

Possibly. Since 2025, a director's Class S PRSI can count up to €1,000 per individual. A company with no qualifying PRSI in the accounting period has no relief for that period.

Can Forti help with grants?

Forti prepares financial projections, certified or current accounts and the accounting records behind a grant application. We do not write the business plan or guarantee funding approval.

How are grants taxed?

The treatment depends on the scheme and purpose. Capital grants can reduce the capital-allowance cost, while revenue and employment grants can enter the trading computation unless a specific exemption applies.

What is the R&D Corporation Tax Credit rate?

The credit is 35% for qualifying expenditure in relevant accounting periods ending in 2026 or later. The activity, expenditure, notification and claim deadlines must all meet the statutory rules.

Does every startup need payroll immediately?

No. Payroll becomes relevant before the company pays a director or employee. The employer PAYE registration should be active before that first payment — not after.

Can Forti support Shopify and Amazon startups?

Yes. Forti supports online sellers with settlement reconciliation, inventory, payment gateways, Irish VAT and cross-border VAT reporting including OSS and IOSS.

Do I need management accounts as a startup?

Not always. They become useful when founders, boards, investors or lenders need monthly or quarterly performance, cash-flow and budget reporting.

Annual Compliance Support

Annual compliance is critical for avoiding fines and maintaining good standing with regulatory authorities. This service includes the preparation, filing, and management of all required documents for the year, such as financial statements, shareholder reports, and any necessary changes to the company structure. It allows you to focus on growing your business while ensuring your obligations are met. Includes:

Annual Return (B1) filing
Statutory register maintenance
Deadline tracking
Audit exemption monitoring
Compliance advisory support

Ideal for directors who want ongoing professional oversight.

Your Startup Accountant,From Formationto Growth.

This Service Is for You If

Your Startup Accounting Roadmap

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Startup Company Formation

Revenue Registrations and VAT

Startup Bookkeeping from Month One

Accounting for E-Commerce Startups

Annual Accounts and Start-Up Relief

Grants, Funding and Investor Support

Payroll When You Are Ready to Hire

Startup Accounting Pricing

Get an exact startup quote

How Forti Supports Your Startup

What We Need to Start

Common Startup Accounting Mistakes

Why Startups Choose Forti

Related Forti Services

Common Questions From Startup Founders

Build the AccountingAround the Stage You Are At.

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Your Startup Accountant,
From Formation
to Growth.

Build the Accounting
Around the Stage You Are At.