A sole trader in Ireland is a business that is owned and operated by a single individual. This type of business structure is relatively simple to set up and manage, and there are relatively few legal requirements that must be met in order to operate as a sole trader. Some of the key benefits of operating as a sole trader in Ireland include the ease of set up, the flexibility of decision making, and the ability to keep all of the profits generated by the business.
An incorporated company, on the other hand, is a separate legal entity from its owners and shareholders. This means that the company can enter into contracts, sue and be sued, and own assets in its own name. Incorporating a company also offers limited liability protection to its shareholders, meaning that their personal assets are not at risk in the event of the company’s failure. Setting up an incorporated company in Ireland requires more formalities, including appointing directors and filing annual returns with the Companies Registration Office, but it also offers more opportunities for raising capital through the sale of shares.
In terms of taxation, a sole trader is taxed on their personal income, while an incorporated company is taxed on its profits. The corporation tax rate in Ireland is 12.5% which is considered one of the lowest in Europe, this is considered as an advantage for companies.
In summary, the decision between operating as a sole trader or an incorporated company in Ireland will depend on the specific needs and goals of the business owner. Sole traders are best suited for small, low-risk businesses, while incorporated companies may be a better choice for larger, more complex operations that require access to capital and liability protection.