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Why Form A Company In Ireland?
Considerations: The new 2014 act in Ireland makes it easier for Directors to manage a company. It is the goal of the Irish Government to make Ireland the easiest place in the world to do business.
- Ireland has a low 12.5% Corporation Tax rate and is a pro business environment.
- Low Share Capital Requirement, as low as €100
- There is Limited Liability on Shareholders. Shareholders only risk the share capital they invest.
- Ireland is an English Speaking Jurisdiction, the only one in the Eurozone.
- Ireland offers free access to over 500 Million consumers in Europe.
- Ireland is ranked in the top 10 easiest places in the world to do business.
- There are generous Research & Development tax credits.
- A Company is a legal entity in itself. It is completely separate from the Officers and the people who run it. It is the company that legal action is taken against as a result of unpaid debts for example.
- A limited company has greater ability to raise finance by the issue of shares.
- The limited company name is protected.
- The company is protected against sudden changes to Management structure.
- Employees can acquire shares in the company.
- Making changes to the company is relatively simple.
Taxation:
Directors pay income tax and the company pays corporation tax on company profits, and with current rates of tax company profits earned and retained in the business are assessed to corporation tax at lower rates than if income tax were payable on equivalent profits earned by an unincorporated business
- Scope for greater company pension scheme to be secured through a limited company
- Personal tax advantages can accrue for directors of a limited company
Corporation Tax Comparison Chart
LOCATION Corporation Tax %
Ireland 12.5
Lithuania 15
Romania 16
Hong Kong SAR 16.5
Singapore 17
Slovenia 17
Switzerland 17.92
Hungary 19
Poland 19
Croatia 20
Finland 20
Iceland 20
Jersey 20
Russia 20
Turkey 20
United Kingdom 20
Portugal 21
Slovakia 22
Sweden 22
Denmark 23.5
Austria 25
Netherlands 25
Uruguay 25
Greece 26
Canada 26.5
Norway 27
New Zealand 28
South Africa 28
Spain 28
Luxembourg 29.22
Germany 29.65
Australia 30
Italy 31.4
Japan 33.06
France 33.33
Belgium 33.99
United States 40
UAE 55
Maximising the tax benefits of a limited company
One of the main focus for small businesses will be the maximising benefits to minimise tax. This can be done by:
- Ensuring that your company makes pension contributions (if cash flow allows)
- Claim the maximum possible expenses allowable under legislation
- Capital equipment used in your business is purchased and capital allowances claimed
- Ensuring that benefits in kind (insurance, health care etc.) are paid out of the company