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118 answers about prices, switching, deadlines, VAT and working across Ireland, the UK and Gibraltar. Search them, or ask your accountant directly.
5 questions about popular
How much does an accountant cost with Shiel?
Plans start at €79 a month in Ireland, £49 in the UK and £69 in Gibraltar for dormant or pre-trade companies. Trading company plans start at €179, £149 and £169. Every price and limit is published on our packages pages.
Do you work with clients outside Europe?
Yes. Our core markets are Ireland, the UK and Gibraltar, and we consider other jurisdictions case by case, confirming the scope before we accept work.
Can you handle bookkeeping and payroll as well as the year-end?
Yes. Most plans include monthly bookkeeping and payroll, so the year-end accounts are built from records that are already current.
How do I switch accountant?
Tell us who looks after you now. We contact them for the handover, review the latest accounts and pick up the next filing cycle, and switching is free.
Can you help when more than one country is involved?
Yes. We map which countries are involved and what each one needs, keep the accounting consistent and bring in local specialists where the rules call for it.
Are there any setup or switching fees?
No. Moving from your current accountant is free. One-off setup plans exist only for people registering a new business, and they are optional.
More on pricingWhat happens if I go over my plan limits?
Small, occasional overages do not force a plan change. If you are consistently above the limits, we review the plan with you each quarter, and extra transactions are a published add-on.
More on pricingIs there a minimum contract?
Plans run monthly with 30 days’ notice, so you are never locked in.
More on pricingDo prices include VAT?
Prices for Ireland and the UK exclude VAT where it applies. Gibraltar prices exclude government filing fees and third-party charges unless stated.
More on pricingCan you take over accounts that are already late or incomplete?
Yes. We have taken over incomplete accounts four days before a deadline and had the company ready to file without an extension. We look at what exists, tell you what is missing and agree a plan before work starts.
More on company accountsDo I need to send everything at once?
No. We give you one checklist, collect what you have and follow up on gaps. Most clients find it easier because the bookkeeping has kept things current through the year.
More on company accountsWill the accounts match my tax return?
Yes. The same reconciled figures feed the accounts and the company tax return, which is the point of doing them together.
More on company accountsDoes a company that is not trading still need accounts?
Yes. Dormant UK companies still file accounts with Companies House, and Irish companies file a CRO annual return every year even when they are not trading. We can prepare the simpler dormant or non-trading version so the company stays compliant.
More on company accountsCan you find tax I have overpaid?
Sometimes, yes. One review uncovered €11,750 of overpaid tax a client could reclaim, and another took an expected €8,000 bill to nil once the treatment and reliefs were checked. Results depend on your circumstances, so we never promise a figure in advance.
More on tax and complianceDo you handle both the company and the director?
Yes. Director returns are included in company plans, because salary, dividends and benefits affect both sides.
More on tax and complianceCan you help with more than one country?
Yes. We set out which countries are involved and which returns each one needs, then bring in local specialist input where the rules call for it.
More on tax and complianceDo I need to file a personal tax return as a director?
Often, yes, but it depends on the country, how much of the company you own and how you are paid. We check this at the start and, where a return is needed, file it alongside the company’s so the salary and dividend figures match.
More on tax and complianceWhich software do you use?
We work in cloud bookkeeping software with bank feeds. If you already use a package, we review it with you first and agree how records will be shared.
More on bookkeepingHow often are the books updated?
Monthly on most plans. The frequency and transaction limits are published on each package, so you know what to expect.
More on bookkeepingWhat counts as a transaction?
A bank item, settlement, purchase invoice or expense entry processed in the books. For online sellers, customer orders are not counted one by one.
More on bookkeepingCan you catch up on books that are months behind?
Yes. We look at how far behind the records are, quote the catch-up as a one-off job and then keep them current each month. You see the price before we start.
More on bookkeepingCan you fix payroll that has gone wrong in the past?
Yes. We corrected historic payroll issues for one client and recovered €17,200 in the process. We review the history first and explain what can be put right.
More on payrollIs payroll included in my package?
On most company plans, yes, up to the employee number shown. Extra employees are a published add-on at 20 a month each in your currency.
More on payrollDo you handle director-only payroll?
Yes. Many of our company clients run payroll for the director alone, set at a level that works with their personal tax.
More on payrollWhat happens when someone joins or leaves?
Send us their details before the payroll cut-off and we handle the rest, including the starter or leaver reporting to Revenue or HMRC and the final payslip.
More on payrollDo I need to move all my accounting to you?
No. Tell us what you need. We will say honestly whether a standalone advisory engagement or a wider package would serve you better.
More on advisory and growthWhich plans include management reports?
Company Growth plans include quarterly management reports and Scale plans include monthly reports, with review calls on the same rhythm.
More on advisory and growthIs this only for larger companies?
No. Owner-managed companies often benefit most, because one good decision on pricing or hiring is worth far more than the fee.
More on advisory and growthWhat does a management accounts pack include?
A profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash position for the period, compared with budget or last year, plus a short note on what changed and what to watch. Forecasts and scenarios are added where your plan includes them.
More on advisory and growthShould I speak to an accountant before incorporating?
Yes, ideally. The choice of country, shareholders and year-end affects tax and filings for years, and it is far easier to set up well than to restructure later.
More on company formationWhat does formation cost?
Formation is 495 in your currency plus the registry’s own fee. Registrations such as VAT or payroll are 125 each where they are not already part of your plan.
More on company formationCan you help a non-resident director?
Yes, depending on the country and circumstances. We review the proposed setup before confirming what we can take on.
More on company formationWhat happens after the company is formed?
We set up the tax registrations, bookkeeping and payroll the company needs, then walk you through the filing dates for the first year so nothing is missed.
More on company formationDoes living abroad change how my company is taxed?
Not automatically. It depends on where the company is managed, where the work happens and the rules of each country. We organise the facts first and say where local advice is needed.
More on international accountingCan you work with my adviser abroad?
Yes. We prepare the records they need and reconcile figures between advisers, so you are not translating one set of accounts into another.
More on international accountingWill I have one accountant for everything?
Yes. Your named accountant keeps the whole picture across countries and works with any local advisers, so you are not passing messages between firms yourself.
More on international accountingWhat do you actually handle?
Bookkeeping, payroll, year-end accounts, the company tax return, the registry annual return, beneficial ownership upkeep and the director’s personal return, depending on your plan.
More on limited companiesDo I still need to do the bookkeeping?
No. On trading plans we do it from your bank feeds. You answer the occasional question and keep receipts flowing.
More on limited companiesCan you take over from my current accountant?
Yes, and switching is free. We contact your previous accountant for the handover and pick up the next filing cycle.
More on limited companiesWill I have one person to contact?
Yes. Every client has a named accountant, reachable directly on WhatsApp, with a one business day response target.
More on limited companiesDo I need bookkeeping every month?
It helps. Keeping records current means fewer surprises and a far easier return at the end of the year.
More on sole tradersCan you tell me what to put aside for tax?
Yes. Because the books are current, we can give you a sensible figure to set aside during the year.
More on sole tradersWhat if I should be a limited company instead?
We will tell you. When profits reach a level where a company makes sense, we explain the trade-offs and help you switch if you choose to.
More on sole tradersCan you handle more than one client or contract?
Yes. We track each contract’s income and costs inside one set of books.
More on contractors and freelancersDo you deal with director salary and expenses?
Yes. We set salary and dividends with your personal tax in view and keep expense claims properly supported.
More on contractors and freelancersWhat if I work in more than one country?
We map where the work happens and flag where local tax or payroll may need checking before it becomes a problem.
More on contractors and freelancersCan you take over mid-contract?
Yes. We pick up from your last accounts and records without interrupting your invoicing.
More on contractors and freelancersCan you handle multiple sales channels?
Yes. We reconcile several platforms and processors so sales, fees, refunds and settlements stay consistent.
More on e-commerce sellersWhat about Shopify, Stripe, PayPal or marketplaces?
Yes. We reconcile settlement data, so bank deposits are never booked as unexplained sales income.
More on e-commerce sellersCan you help with cross-border VAT?
Yes. The treatment depends on where the goods are, where the customer is and whether the sale goes through a marketplace. We handle OSS and IOSS and flag when another registration may be needed.
More on e-commerce sellersDo you work with growing stores?
Yes. Plans run from a single platform up to multi-channel, multi-currency stores with monthly management reports.
More on e-commerce sellersDoes living abroad change how the company is taxed?
Not automatically. It depends on where the company is managed, where activity takes place and the rules of each country. We organise the facts and say where local advice is needed.
More on non-resident directorsWhat about my director salary or fees?
Director pay can raise payroll and tax questions in more than one country. We make sure the local treatment is checked before pay is processed.
More on non-resident directorsCan you work with my accountant abroad?
Yes. We prepare the records they need and reconcile figures between advisers.
More on non-resident directorsCan you take over an existing company?
Yes. We review the latest accounts, payroll and filings, then map any cross-border points before the next deadline.
More on non-resident directorsCan you handle the formation and the accounting?
Yes. Formation flows straight into an ongoing plan so nothing is set up twice.
More on start-ups and new companiesWhen should the bookkeeping start?
From the first transaction. Starting early costs little and avoids an expensive catch-up later.
More on start-ups and new companiesWhat if the company has not started trading?
Our Dormant and Pre-trade plan covers the filings a non-trading company still has, from €79 a month in Ireland, £49 in the UK and £69 in Gibraltar.
More on start-ups and new companiesDo you handle both Revenue and CRO work?
Yes. Where it is in your plan, we keep the accounts, CT1 and B1 cycle connected rather than treating each filing as a separate job.
More on IrelandCan you take over from another Irish accountant?
Yes. We review the latest accounts and tax position, agree the handover and pick up the next cycle. Switching is free.
More on IrelandDo you work with sole traders as well as companies?
Yes. We have separate plans for limited companies, sole traders, contractors and online sellers.
More on IrelandCan you help if part of the business is outside Ireland?
Yes. We coordinate the Irish accounting with overseas advisers and flag where extra registrations or local advice may be needed.
More on IrelandDo you handle both HMRC and Companies House work?
Yes. Where it is in your plan, we keep the accounts, CT600 and Companies House filings connected.
More on United KingdomCan you take over from another UK accountant?
Yes. We review your latest accounts, tax position and books, agree the handover and pick up the next cycle. Switching is free.
More on United KingdomDo you support directors as well as the company?
Yes. Director payroll and Self Assessment are included where relevant, so company and personal tax are looked at together.
More on United KingdomCan you help with a UK company if I live abroad?
Yes. We keep the UK company organised and coordinate with overseas advisers where your residence adds another layer.
More on United KingdomDo you handle both Income Tax Office and Companies House work?
Yes. Where it is in your plan, we keep the accounts, Corporate Tax Return and Companies House filings connected.
More on GibraltarCan you take over from another Gibraltar accountant?
Yes. We review the latest accounts and tax position, agree the handover and pick up the next cycle.
More on GibraltarDo you work with directors who live outside Gibraltar?
Yes. We keep the company organised and coordinate with advisers where your residence adds another jurisdiction.
More on GibraltarDoes Gibraltar have the same VAT as the UK or Ireland?
No. Gibraltar is outside both domestic VAT systems, so where cross-border sales matter we look at the actual transaction flow.
More on GibraltarWhat is the UK Corporation Tax rate in 2026?
19% on profits up to £50,000, 25% on profits over £250,000, and the main rate less Marginal Relief in between.
More on the guideWhat is the Marginal Relief fraction?
The standard fraction is 3/200, applied to the difference between the upper limit and your taxable profits.
More on the guideDo associated companies share the thresholds?
Yes. The limits are divided by the number of associated companies, so two companies get £25,000 and £125,000 each.
More on the guideWhen is the CT1 due in Ireland?
For ROS filers, by the 23rd of the ninth month after the accounting period ends. A 31 December year-end gives 23 September.
More on the guideIs the B1 due on the same date as the CT1?
No. The B1 is due within 56 days of the Annual Return Date set by the CRO, which is separate from the financial year-end.
More on the guideDo dormant companies have to file?
Yes. Dormant companies still file the B1 and generally a CT1 unless Revenue has agreed otherwise.
More on the guideWhat is the VAT threshold in Ireland in 2026?
€42,500 for services and €85,000 for goods, where at least 90% of turnover is from goods.
More on the guideWhat is the UK VAT threshold in 2026?
£90,000 of taxable turnover in any rolling 12-month period.
More on the guideDoes Gibraltar charge VAT?
No. Gibraltar does not operate a VAT system.
More on the guideCan I change accountant mid-year?
Yes. The new accountant picks up from your last filed accounts and the current records.
More on the guideDo I need to tell my old accountant why I am leaving?
No. You give notice under your engagement terms and the new accountant handles the professional handover.
More on the guideHow long does it take?
Usually two to four weeks, depending on how quickly the previous accountant responds.
More on the guideIs the MTD threshold based on profit or turnover?
Turnover. Qualifying income is your total self-employment and property income before expenses.
More on the guideDoes Making Tax Digital for Income Tax apply to limited companies?
No. It applies to individuals with self-employment or property income. Companies are not part of this phase.
More on the guideWhen are the MTD quarterly updates due?
For the 2026 to 2027 tax year, by 7 August 2026, 7 November 2026, 7 February 2027 and 7 May 2027, with the final return by 31 January 2028.
More on the guideCan my accountant send the updates for me?
Yes. An agent can keep your digital records and submit the quarterly updates and final return on your behalf.
More on the guideWho decides IR35 status for my contract?
Public sector clients and medium or large private sector clients decide and issue a Status Determination Statement. For small private sector clients, your own limited company decides.
More on the guideWhat is a Status Determination Statement?
The client’s written decision on whether the off-payroll rules apply, with its reasons. You can challenge it through the client’s dispute process.
More on the guideDoes IR35 apply in Ireland?
No. IR35 is a UK rule. Irish contractors face different questions, such as Professional Services Withholding Tax on certain payments.
More on the guideCan I still pay myself dividends if I am inside IR35?
Income from an inside IR35 engagement is taxed like employment income, so the salary and dividend approach no longer reduces the tax on it.
More on the guideWhat is the EU OSS threshold?
€10,000 a year in total, across all your cross-border sales of goods and digital services to consumers in other EU countries.
More on the guideWhen are OSS returns due?
By the end of the month after each quarter: 30 April, 31 July, 31 October and 31 January.
More on the guideDo I need OSS if I only sell in my own country?
No. OSS is only for cross-border sales to consumers in other EU countries.
More on the guideDoes OSS cover stock held in an Amazon warehouse abroad?
Not for local sales from that stock. Sales to customers in the same country as the warehouse normally need a VAT registration there.
More on the guideDoes an Irish company need an Irish-resident director?
Not Irish specifically. It needs at least one director resident in the EEA, or a section 137 bond or section 140 certificate instead.
More on the guideHow much is the non-resident director bond?
The section 137 bond is for €25,000.
More on the guideWhat is a section 140 certificate?
A certificate from Revenue confirming the company has a real and continuous link with one or more economic activities carried on in Ireland. It replaces the need for an EEA-resident director.
More on the guideDoes a UK-resident director count as EEA-resident?
No. The UK is not in the EEA, so a company whose only director lives in the UK needs a bond or a section 140 certificate.
More on the guideHow much does an accountant cost a month for a small company?
Limited company plans start at €79 a month in Ireland, £49 in the UK and £69 in Gibraltar for a company that is not yet trading. Trading plans then rise with transactions and payroll.
More on the guideIs a fixed fee better than paying by the hour?
For routine work, usually. You know the cost in advance and can ask questions without worrying about the meter running. One-off projects are quoted separately.
More on the guideIs there a charge to switch accountant?
Not with us. We handle the handover from your previous accountant at no charge.
More on the guideWhat is the corporate tax rate in Gibraltar?
15% for most companies from 1 July 2024, or 20% for utility, energy and fuel suppliers and companies abusing a dominant market position.
More on the guideWhen are Gibraltar payments on account due?
By 28 February and 30 September, each normally half of the previous period’s tax.
More on the guideWhen is the Gibraltar CT1 due?
Nine months after the end of the month in which the accounting period ends, so 30 September for a 31 December year-end.
More on the guideIs foreign income taxed in Gibraltar?
Gibraltar taxes income accrued in or derived from Gibraltar. Whether income from abroad falls in depends on where the activities generating it take place, so it needs looking at case by case.
More on the guideWhat are the UK dividend tax rates for 2026/27?
10.75% at basic rate, 35.75% at higher rate and 39.35% at additional rate, after a £500 dividend allowance.
More on the guideAt what profit is a limited company worth it?
There is no single figure. It depends on how much you draw, other income and the extra running costs, so it is worth modelling with your own numbers.
More on the guideCan a sole director claim the Employment Allowance?
No. A company whose only employee paid above the secondary threshold is its sole director cannot claim it.
More on the guideCan I switch from sole trader to a company later?
Yes. Many businesses start as sole traders and incorporate as profits grow. The timing and how assets move across are worth planning.
More on the guideWhere do you register a new company in Ireland?
Online through CORE, the Companies Registration Office’s filing system. The CRO then issues the certificate of incorporation and company number.
More on the guideCan an Irish limited company have one director?
Yes, a private company limited by shares can have a single director, but it must then have a separate person as company secretary.
More on the guideWhen must beneficial owners be registered?
Within five months of incorporation, and changes within 14 days.
More on the guideDo I need an EEA-resident director?
At least one director must be resident in the EEA, unless the company holds a section 137 bond or a section 140 certificate.
More on the guideWhen is the first annual return due?
The first Annual Return Date is six months after incorporation, and the B1 is due within 56 days of it. Financial statements are not needed with the first return.
More on the guideWhen do existing directors need to verify their identity?
When the company files its next confirmation statement during the 12-month transition that started on 18 November 2025.
More on the guideDoes Companies House identity verification cost anything?
Not if you do it yourself online through GOV.UK. Authorised Corporate Service Providers may charge.
More on the guideDo people with significant control need to verify?
Yes. PSCs have their own due dates, shown on the Companies House register.
More on the guideWhat happens if a director does not verify?
It holds up the company’s confirmation statement, and failing to file that on time is an offence. Directors can also be prosecuted.
More on the guide
Get in Touch
Send us a short message about your business and any deadline you are working towards. Your named accountant will reply within one business day, and the fee is agreed before anything starts.