Taxbytes for Expats

• Importing a Car to Ireland - VRT, Transfer of Residency and Tax Exemptions with Bryan Wickham

  Thinking of bringing your car back to Ireland when you move? There’s quite a few things you need to know before you start planning!In this episode, I’m joined by someone who knows the process inside-out: my husband, Bryan Wickham. As well as being a chartered accountant, Bryan’s a long-time car enthusiast who’s imported vehicles from overseas and handled all the twists and turns of VRT, customs, and navigating Revenue.We talk through the key tax and practical considerations for expats moving cars into Ireland. When exemptions apply, what paperwork is needed, the potential issues to watch out for, and the hidden costs people often miss. Planning to move a car from across the world can be a guessing game: securing insurance before registration, understanding CO2 bands for motor tax, the 12-month rule that could trigger a clawback… Bryan shares his experiences so you can better prepare to bring your car to Ireland.You should note that this isn’t a service we offer at Expat Taxes, but it’s a topic that comes up all the time with clients so we wanted to share what we’ve learned from making the move ourselves!Main Topics discussed in this Episode:Transfer of Residency Relief for Vehicles: Expats returning to Ireland may be eligible to import their personal vehicle tax-free under the Transfer of Residency relief.The VRT, VAT & Customs Cost Trap: Without relief, importing a car can trigger a hefty tax bill with customs duties, VAT, and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT).Documentation, Agents & Practical Logistics: Using a customs agent can significantly ease the paperwork burden.Road Tax, Insurance & NCT Challenges: Finding the right insurer willing to cover an unregistered or left-hand drive car, ensuring NCT compliance & Ireland’s CO2 Road Tax bands.Risks, Grey Areas & When Things Go Wrong: If you fall short of the qualifying criteria or Revenue disagrees with your valuation, you could face costly appeals or clawbacks.*****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 [email protected] 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:Special Offer from our Trusted Partner, Currencies DirectThis episode is brought to you by Currencies Direct, our trusted currency exchange partner when transferring currency to or from Ireland. Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct. Click here for Currencies Direct Special OfferCheck out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

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• Limited Companies in Ireland: Tax Planning, Pitfalls & Practical Advice with Paul Coffey (Part 2)

  Creating a Limited Incorporated Company in Ireland couldn’t be easier - but is it the best option for you?In Part 2 of my chat with Paul Coffey of Coffey Accounts, we talk about the realities of starting a limited company in Ireland. There’s a lot to consider, from tax planning and pensions to avoiding the common misconceptions of what you can and definitely shouldn’t put through the company.We cover why the structure of a company can bring real consistency (and sanity) to managing tax, the actual tax rates Irish business owners face (it’s not always the 12.5% headline rate) and why proper planning at year-end can make all the difference. We also talk about why buying assets through a company usually isn’t the win people think it is, and how Paul supports clients based on their stage, size and setup.If you’re already incorporated or thinking about it and want to avoid the admin chaos, this episode shows you how an expert advisor like Paul Coffey can really help you.Main Topics discussed in this Episode:Why limited companies offer more planning consistency: Paul explains how regular salary, payroll taxes, and pension contributions make financial planning simpler compared to sole tradership.How directors can take money out tax-efficiently: From salary and pensions to tax-free vouchers and qualifying business expenses—Paul outlines the legitimate ways to access company funds without triggering surprise tax bills.The real corporate tax rate for service companies: While 12.5% gets all the headlines, Paul breaks down why most service companies effectively pay a higher corporate tax rate due to surcharges.Common myths around buying assets through a company: Stephanie and Paul tackle the popular (but risky) idea of putting property or cars through a company—and why it's usually not worth it.How Paul Coffey supports clients based on their business needs: From quarterly oversight to full management accounts and payroll, Paul outlines the flexible support he offers based on a client’s size, goals, and transaction volume.Get in touch with Paul Coffey and mention the Podcast when you do!Email: [email protected]: +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 [email protected] 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!

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• Sole Trader or Limited Company? Setting Up Business in Ireland as an Expat with Paul Coffey (Part 1)

  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: [email protected]: +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 [email protected] 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!

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• EXCLUSIVE: US-Ireland Tax Webinar with Expat Taxes on May 7th

  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 [email protected] 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/.

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• U.S. Expat on Irish Driving, Landing Jobs and Making Friends with Jeremy Strozer (Part 2)

  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 [email protected] 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!

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