Taxbytes for Expats

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: paul@coffeyaccounts.iePhone: +353 086 074 0880LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-coffey-05081535/*****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

If you're an Irish/US dual citizen, have US Tax Obligations or planning a move to Ireland from the US, this is for you.On Wednesday 7th May at 5pm GMT/12pm EST/9am PT, Stephanie Wickham will be running a live webinar alongside Jessica Beall of Beall Tax Consulting covering the Foundations of US and Irish tax domicile, residency, compliance, investing and anything else you need to know to get your tax covered.For only €95 you get access to Stephanie Wickham and Jessica Beall's combined expertise in a session that is sure to make your journey to or from Ireland or America much simpler. And there's a Live Q&A if you have any specific questions not covered in the session.Spaces are limited, so secure your spot on the webinar: https://tinyurl.com/ExpatUS.Episodes to prepare for the webinar:Jeremy Strozer Part 1: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6aa84327-574e-46bd-972a-323e33638c8c/Jeremy Strozer Part 2: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7420e8dc-8e0b-45b4-9b3d-d28fcea7ce93/Sean Kearney Part 1: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1790e7de-0b9d-43fc-9365-5c5f5eca8e57/Sean Kearney Part 2: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cf120c76-9816-4b8a-83eb-00835ece65da/*****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.

Finding a Job and Driving are two of the biggest parts of expat life in Ireland to get right, and Jeremy Strozer has come out the other side of both with advice to share.In this second half of my conversation with Jeremy Strozer—an expat, relocation guide, and founder of Expatsi.com—we get into the raw and relatable parts of settling in Ireland. If you’ve ever tried translating a US-style CV into the Irish job market or navigated a roundabout on the wrong side of the road while jet-lagged with hangry kids in the back, this one’s for you.Jeremy opens up about the cultural curveballs that caught him off guard, the realities of finding a job as a newcomer, and why forming social circles in Ireland might take longer than expected—but is well worth the effort. We also unpack the joys and jolts of learning to drive on Irish roads, including how he accidentally gave a Dublin local a very expensive "hello."Main Topics discussed in this Episode:Breaking into the Irish Job Market as a Foreigner: The challenges of CV translation, cultural fit, and why international companies were the secret to Jeremy’s success.Adjusting Your Communication Style: Why the “sell yourself” approach doesn’t always land in Ireland, and how to adapt to local expectations in interviews.Building Your Tribe: Practical tips for finding community through hobbies, parenting, and happenstance connections (hint: coffee helps).Learning to Drive on the Other Side: A cautionary tale involving jet lag, roundabouts, and a sideswiped car—and why waiting a day might save your nerves (and insurance premium).The Emotional and Mental Shift of Moving Countries How your goals, identity, and plans evolve after relocating—and why that’s a good thing.Contact Jeremy:As an exclusive deal for Taxbytes For Expats listeners, you can book a Consultation Call with Jeremy for 20% off. Click the following link to book your consultation today: https://calendly.com/strozerj/ireland-consultation-clone.*****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

Thinking of moving to Ireland from the U.S.? You’re not alone, and this episode will help make the whole process a little less daunting.This week I’m joined by Jeremy Strozer - consultant at Expatsi.com and an American expat who moved to Ireland with his family in 2020. Jeremy had to learn a lot of what he knows now the hard way, but now helps other U.S. expats to get perspective on their move and take a practical approach to what can be a very emotional and turbulent time.In Part One of our conversation, we talk through how to approach your Visa, how to get a sense of where in Ireland might suit your lifestyle, what surprised Jeremy about buying a house here, and why the Irish Health Insurance system requires a bit of patience and tact to navigate.Jeremy shares all the practical guidance he can offer as someone who’s made the move with his family, and he’ll be back to talk about even more in Part 2.Main Topics discussed in this Episode:Understanding Visa Options: Jeremy outlines the different visa pathways available depending on your life stage and how to approach the decision based on your personal circumstances.Choosing Where to Live in Ireland: How to explore different counties before committing, and why his family ended up settling in County Clare.The Realities of Buying a House in Ireland: Jeremy shares his experience with the Irish property market, the quirks of bidding through auctioneers, and how the pace and culture around home-buying differs from the U.S.Navigating the Irish Health Insurance System: They talk through how health coverage works in Ireland, the importance of planning ahead, and why managing expectations is key when accessing care as an expat.Adjusting to Life in a New Country: Jeremy reflects on the emotional highs and lows of relocation and how to find balance and stability during the transition.Contact Jeremy:As an exclusive deal for Taxbytes For Expats listeners, you can book a Consultation Call with Jeremy for 20% off. Click the following link to book your consultation today: https://calendly.com/strozerj/ireland-consultation-clone.*****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

This is Part 2 of Stephanie's conversation with Maura Ginty - make sure to listen to Part 1 if you missed it!There are tons of tax benefits for startup founders in Ireland when they approach building their business in the right way, especially if you’re investing!This week we’re back for Part 2 of my conversation with Maura Ginty of Gintax, a tax specialist with years of experience advising startups, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses.In this episode, we discuss the key tax reliefs and strategies that startup founders, investors, and business owners need to know, how to structure investments through a company and the tax implications that come with it, employee share schemes, and Maura shares her insights on where the Irish tax system could improve to better support founders and startups. Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:R&D Tax Credit – how it works and why documentation is keyEIIS tax relief – benefits, risks, and why companies need to be cautiousInvesting through a company – tax pitfalls to avoidEmployee share schemes – comparing options and understanding tax implicationsWhere the Irish tax system could improve for startups and foundersContact Maura GintyEmail: maura@gintax.ieWebsite: https://www.gintax.ie *****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

This is Part 1 of Stephanie's conversation with Maura Ginty - make sure you subscribe to be notified about Part 2.Are you an Expat or Repat thinking of starting a business in Ireland? Planning and structuring correctly at the start is important to make sure you’re compliant and earning the most that you can from your company.My guest this week, Maura Ginty of Gintax, can help as a tax specialist with years of experience advising startups, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses. Maura is an expert in the tax considerations for anyone setting up in Ireland, from choosing between sole trader or limited company status, to understanding tax-efficient structures for scaling and eventual exit.In this episode, we talk about the common mistakes new founders make, when a holding company makes sense (and when it doesn’t), why getting tax advice early on is crucial for long-term success, and so much more!Main Topics discussed in this Episode:Sole Trader vs. Limited Company – Which is Right for You?When a Holding Company Structure Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)How Tax Works for Consultants, Startups & Scaling BusinessesKey Tax Considerations for Founders Planning an ExitWhy Getting Specialist Tax Advice Early is EssentialContact Maura GintyEmail: maura@gintax.ieWebsite: https://www.gintax.ie *****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

Thinking about making the move to Italy? Whether you’re drawn to the sunshine, the culture, or the tax incentives, understanding your tax position before you relocate is crucial.In this episode of Taxbytes for Expats, I’m joined by Italian tax specialist Mario Tenore, who works extensively with high-net-worth individuals, expats, and international clients navigating the complexities of Italy’s tax system.Mario breaks down the key tax residency rules in Italy, the importance of pre-relocation tax planning and the flat tax regime, which can be a game-changer for those with foreign income. He also explains the pensioner tax regime, what qualifies as pension income, and the practical steps expats should take to make their move to Italy as smooth as possible.This is a great one to listen to if you're thinking about retiring or moving to Italy!Main Topics discussed in this Episode:Understanding Italian Tax Residency – The four key tests for tax residency and why even short stays can have tax implications.The Flat Tax Regime – How Italy’s €200,000 flat tax works and who benefits most from it.Pensioner Tax Incentives – The 7% tax regime for retirees and the key requirements to qualify.Pre-Relocation Tax Planning – Why speaking to an advisor before moving to Italy can save you from major tax headaches.Buying Property in Italy – Practical considerations for expats looking to purchase real estate.Contact Mario Tenore: mario.tenore@studiopirola.com*****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

This is Part 2 of Stephanie's conversation with Lisa Quinn O'Flaherty. If you haven’t yet, check out Part 1 in the Taxbytes For Expats feed.Contrary to popular belief, there is more to wills and beneficiaries than just handing the house and belongings to your children. And even from a tax perspective, it’s really important to keep your affairs in order.Lisa Quinn O’Flaherty of Fitzsimons & Redmond LLP is an expert in all things legal and in Part 2 of our conversation, we discuss the complexities of cross-border probate, why having a separate will for your Irish assets is essential, and how the probate process really works (it’s not like what you see on TV shows!). We also chat about some of the common pitfalls that can cause unnecessary stress for beneficiaries like tax issues, missing paperwork, and DIY legal documents gone wrong. If you’ve moved to or from Ireland, own property here, and just want to make sure your affairs are in order, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the legal side of estate planning with confidence.Main Topics discussed in this Episode:Cross-border probate: How separate wills can streamline estate administration across jurisdictions.The Irish probate process: What happens after a person passes away, and why some estates can take over a year to settle.Common pitfalls: From unfiled tax obligations to outdated wills—how to avoid delays and headaches for your loved ones.Executor responsibilities: What it really means to be named in a will and the challenges that come with it.The importance of professional advice: Why working with a solicitor (instead of DIYing it) can save your beneficiaries years of legal and financial stress.A special Bonus from Lisa:If you'd like a free consultation with Lisa Quinn O'Flaherty about how she can help you with your legal requirements, contact her via law@fitzsimonsredmond.ie or head to https://fitzsimonsredmond.ie/, and mention Taxbytes when you do!*****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

This is Part 1 of Stephanie's conversation with Lisa Quinn O'Flaherty - make sure you subscribe to be notified about Part 2!The legal side of being an expat or repat is often more complicated than originally anticipated. (alongside the tax side, of course!)In this episode, I sat down with Lisa Quinn O’Flaherty of Fitzsimons & Redmond LLP to talk about some of the most important legal considerations when buying property in Ireland, succession planning, and the complexities of wills and probate.Lisa brings her wealth of experience as a solicitor to answer questions relating to some of the most common scenarios you might face, from navigating Ireland’s unique home-buying process to the importance of ensuring your will aligns with your wishes—especially if you own assets across multiple jurisdictions.Whether you’re planning your first property purchase in Ireland or thinking about how to structure your estate for your family's future, this episode is packed with practical advice.Main Topics discussed in this Episode:The Unique Irish Property Buying Process: Buying a home in Ireland can be a lengthy and sometimes unpredictable journey. From understanding the role of the solicitor to the importance of surveys and securing mortgage funds, being prepared is key to a smoother process.The Role of Wills in Irish Asset Ownership: If you own property in Ireland, having an Irish will is essential to ensure your wishes are clearly laid out and legally enforceable under Irish law.Cross-Border Estate Planning: For expats with assets in multiple jurisdictions, aligning wills across countries is crucial to avoid conflicts, unintended consequences, or tax inefficiencies.The Importance of Proactive Planning: Starting the process early—whether it’s securing life assurance, understanding tax implications, or engaging a professional—is the best way to avoid delays and complications.Tax and Legal Overlap: Effective estate planning often requires collaboration between solicitors and tax professionals, particularly when dealing with assets in Ireland and abroad. Understanding the tax treaties and laws that apply to your situation can help mitigate unexpected liabilities.A special Bonus from Lisa:If you'd like a free consultation with Lisa Quinn O'Flaherty about how she can help you with your legal requirements, contact her via law@fitzsimonsredmond.ie or head to https://fitzsimonsredmond.ie/, and mention Taxbytes when you do!*****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax...

This is Part 2 of a conversation with John Healy of Healys Insurances - if you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, we'd highly recommend it before jumping into this episode!There's more to car insurance than claiming on accidents - it's about knowing when to use, which insurance to get and what you need to bring with you as an expat to save money on your premiums.Talking more about Car Insurance in Ireland, I’m joined by John Healy of Healy’s Insurances, an expert with over 25 years of experience in insuring cars, homes and more. Healy’s Insurances is well-known in expat circles for helping people navigate the quirks of the Irish insurance market (though most notably for Mary Doyle, or “Mary of Healy’s!”).In this Part 2, we dig deeper into the practicalities of insuring your vehicle in Ireland, including tips to avoid common pitfalls and how to ensure a smooth process when transitioning from foreign to Irish policies. John shares his wealth of experience, including why your no-claims bonus is invaluable, how car registration impacts your premiums, and what you need to know about imported cars.We also bust some insurance myths, cover the pros and cons of bundling policies, and discuss what to do if you’re caught in the grey zone with your license or insurance timeline. Whether you’re planning your move or are already in Ireland scratching your head over insurance, this episode is packed with advice to help you make a plan that saves you money and gets into your car as soon as possible.Main Topics in the Episode:No-Claims Bonus is Key: Your no-claims bonus document from abroad is a must-have. Make sure it’s valid, canceled where necessary, and ready before you arrive in Ireland.Car Registration Matters: Your car's reg impacts your insurance quote significantly, from its history (like past accidents) to its mileage. Check the car's insurance eligibility before buying.License Logistics: Foreign licenses can work temporarily, but plan early to convert to an Irish license—especially if you’re from a country without a straightforward exchange process.Imported Cars = Higher Costs: Be cautious when bringing in cars from outside Ireland, as niche models or past damages could hike up premiums or even make them uninsurable.Claiming on Insurance: For minor damages, weigh the cost of paying out-of-pocket against claiming—especially if you’re a younger driver or lack bonus protection.Contact Healys for Insurance today:Email: info@healyinsurances.ie*****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 info@expattaxes.ie 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/.Mentioned in this episode:Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!