Running your own business in Ireland is exciting, but it also comes with one non-negotiable responsibility — keeping your financial house in order. As a self-employed professional or contractor, your accountant is more than just a number-cruncher; they’re your compliance partner, your financial adviser, and often, the one person standing between you and a Revenue audit.
Yet, as deadlines approach, some clients vanish — they “ghost” their accountant. Whether it’s out of overwhelm, avoidance, or simply a busy schedule, disappearing on your accountant can have serious consequences. And while we love a good comeback story, ghosting your accountant can quickly turn into a compliance nightmare.
Here’s why consistent communication matters, how going off the radar can lead to costly mistakes, and how staying connected with Icon Accounting helps contractors in Ireland stay compliant, efficient, and stress-free.
1. Your Accountant Can’t File What They Don’t Have
When you go quiet, your accountant can’t do their job effectively. Incomplete or late information means they’re working with guesswork, not data — and in accounting, that’s a recipe for disaster.
As a self-employed professional or contractor in Ireland, your accountant relies on accurate, up-to-date data to manage your income tax, VAT, and company filings. When you delay submitting documents such as receipts, invoices, or bank statements, your returns risk being incomplete or incorrect.
In Ireland, accountants must follow strict guidelines under Revenue and the Companies Registration Office (CRO). Missing or incomplete information can lead to:
- Incorrect or late tax filings
- Missed deadlines and surcharges
- Revenue penalties and interest charges
- Lost opportunities for legitimate tax reliefs
Keeping that flow of information consistent helps us keep your filings on track — and you out of Revenue’s spotlight.
And why not make it even easier? With the Icon Accounting App, you can upload receipts, mileage, and expenses on the go — so you never fall behind or risk missing key documentation.
2. Ghosting = Missed Deadlines (and More Costs!)
Ireland’s compliance calendar is full of immovable deadlines, and ignoring them can be expensive. Contractors and self-employed professionals face several critical dates each year, including:
- 31 October (or mid-November for ROS users): Deadline for filing your Income Tax Return (Form 11)
- Annual Return Filing Date (for limited companies): Varies based on the company incorporation date
- VAT returns, PAYE submissions, and Corporation Tax filings for those operating through a company
When communication drops off, accountants are left with incomplete information and limited time to act. The results can include:
- Revenue surcharges
- Interest on late payments
- CRO penalties
- Risk of company strike-off or loss of audit exemption
At Icon Accounting, we build our service around proactive reminders, tailored checklists, and transparent timelines, so you’ll always know what’s due and when. But even the best systems rely on one essential element — your engagement! The sooner we receive your information, the better positioned we are to keep your business fully compliant and penalty-free.
3. Mixing Personal and Business Finances – The Hidden Danger
It’s surprisingly common for small business owners to blur the lines between personal and business finances. Although it may seem harmless, it’s one of the fastest ways to cause confusion and attract unwanted Revenue attention.
Mixing personal and business finances can:
- Complicate expense verification during a Revenue audit
- Skew profitability and financial performance reports
- Impact legitimate tax relief claims
- Create unnecessary bookkeeping and reconciliation challenges
When your finances are structured correctly, you’re not just audit-ready — you’re better positioned for growth, strategic planning, and financial clarity.
4. The Real Cost of Going Quiet
Going quiet for months and then resurfacing with a last-minute deadline creates unnecessary stress — for you. Rush jobs mean less time for tax planning and strategy, and more risk of errors, missed deductions, or incomplete returns.
Our advice? Don’t wait until the final week before a deadline to upload everything. Regular, bite-sized updates through the Icon Accounting Portal keep your profile current and ensure your accountant always has the full picture. The more frequently you update your information, the more proactive your accountant can be in advising you on tax efficiency and identifying opportunities to maximise your income.
5. Communication Is the Secret Ingredient
Ghosting your accountant might feel harmless in the moment, but it often leads to preventable problems. Your accountant isn’t just filing your returns — they’re monitoring your compliance, offering guidance on tax savings, and helping you plan for long-term success.
Regular communication means we can:
- Flag upcoming payments or tax liabilities early
- Claim available credits and reliefs
- Offer real-time financial insights that support your business goals
Think of Icon Accounting as your financial partner, not just your service provider. The more we know about your business, the more we can do to optimise your setup and help you save money.
Here’s how Icon Accounting keeps you connected and in control:
- The Icon Accounting Portal: Upload expenses, view income breakdowns, and track compliance deadlines in real time.
- Mobile Accessibility: Manage your accounts on the go — no waiting for office hours.
- Proactive Support: We reach out to you with updates and reminders to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
- Dedicated Account Managers: Real people, not chatbots. You’ll always know who’s handling your accounts and how to contact them.
So this tax season, skip the ghosting act. Stay in touch, stay organised, and let Icon Accounting keep you one step ahead.
Got a Question?
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Icon Accounting, Columba House, Airside,
Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland, K67 R2Y9