When it comes to income tax, many business owners and self-employed individuals in Ireland take a “leave it ’til later” approach. But filing early, before the October 31st paper deadline or the extended mid-November ROS deadline, could save you more than just stress.

Whether you’re a sole trader, landlord, freelancer or company director with non-PAYE income, early filing isn’t just for the ultra-organised. It’s smart business. Here’s why you should consider getting ahead of the deadline this year.

1. You’ll Know Exactly What You Owe 

Tax can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure what your bill will be. By preparing and filing early, you’ll have a clear picture of your liability months in advance. That gives you more time to budget, adjust spending, or plan for any payments due, including preliminary tax for next year.

It’s especially helpful if your income fluctuates, you’ve had a bumper year, or you’re still recovering from a quiet one. Knowledge is power when it comes to cash flow.

2. Avoid the Last-Minute Panic

If you’ve ever scrambled to find receipts, download statements, or chase invoices on the 30th of October, you’re not alone. Last-minute filing can lead to mistakes, missed deductions, and unnecessary stress, especially when Revenue’s website is under pressure and your accountant is juggling dozens of deadlines.

Filing early means you’re not rushing to meet a deadline, you’re calmly preparing your business for the year ahead.

3. Get Your Refund (If You’re Due One!)

If you’ve overpaid tax during the year, for example, through preliminary tax or allowable expenses, you may be due a refund. But Revenue won’t issue it until your return is filed.

Filing early = faster refund = happier bank account.

4. Your Accountant Will Thank You (and Have More Time for You)

Accountants across Ireland experience the same annual crunch in October and November. If you wait until the final few weeks to submit your records, your return will be just one of many.

But if you file early? You’ll likely get more time, more support, and a better opportunity to spot tax-saving opportunities – because your accountant isn’t knee-deep in deadline week chaos.

5. More Time to Maximise Deductions and Credits

There are plenty of reliefs available to self-employed individuals, but many of them require foresight:
– Pension contributions (to reduce your tax bill)
– Capital allowances on equipment or vehicles
– Home office or utility expenses
– Medical or educational expenses you may have forgotten to claim

By engaging with your accountant early in the year, you can build a strategy that doesn’t just get your taxes filed, but actually improves your financial outcome.

6. Helps You Plan Better for the Next Year

Filing your income tax return isn’t just about looking backwards – it’s also about looking forward. Once you have your return filed and liability confirmed, you can start planning for the year ahead with more clarity.

You’ll know:

• What you need to set aside for next year’s preliminary tax

• How your business is really performing

• Where you might have room to invest, grow or streamline

Read more: From side hustle to limited company: When and how to make the move