Accountant recommendation for new consultant (self-employed)

Hi there, I am a Canadian permanent resident (I have a Stamp 4 (married to Irish person) - and am able to live and work in Ireland). In June of 2016, I started working for a not-for-profit organisation based in Spain as a consultant, working remotely from Dublin. Because I am not an EU citizen, the decision was made to hire me as a consultant. I have a PPS number because I have previously lived and worked in Ireland (years ago - as an employee), and in June, I notified Revenue services about my current situation, registering online - and I think I also set up a ROS account. I have not yet filed a tax return, of any kind. Because I am new to Ireland, and new to being self employed, I am completely lost in terms of knowing what my tax obligations are - when I need to file, to whom, etc. etc. I am realizing I should get an accountant ASAP. I am based in Raheny, close to the Dart station, without a car. It would be ideal to find an accountant close to a dart station, or in city center. I am looking for someone that is experienced, comes well recommended, would be very familiar with requirements for my particular status, is affordable (I mentioned I work for a not-for-profit org!) - and most importantly could take the stress and anxiety out of my current situation!! ANY advice would be MUCH appreciated - THANK YOU!!!

I think you should consider the services of an umbrella company such as Contracting Plus, ICON Accounting, Fereno or Prima to handle your payroll needs. Depending on your salary, most will charge a percentage and can offer you a number of solution options to best suit you need.

They will be able to offer you insurances etc, if you require them.

If you wish to go down the accountant route, it will probably be more onerous, but the choice is of course up to you. To settle in initially and get your way around the Irish tax system, it is definitely an option for you. Google them and see the types of services they offer and you can decide if it is something you are interested in

Hope this helps.

I would sooo disagree with the above post re the umbrella option.
Your situation is relatively simple to resolve for a good accountant.
Why pay these umbrella companies a % of your invoices for a service that could be carried out by a decent local account for a whole lot less!
I would say ask your fellow contractors for a recommendation or the agency that may have secured the contract for you.
I know first hand that this stuff is very stressful when you dont have the time or patience to understand it. Just pay a professional to do as much as you dont want to do yourself.. payroll, vat, taxes etc..

NewEdition said:

I know first hand that this stuff is very stressful when you dont have the time or patience to understand it. Just pay a professional to do as much as you dont want to do yourself.. payroll, vat, taxes etc..

Click to expand...

This is exactly the service the umbrella company provides.

NewEdition said:

I would sooo disagree with the above post re the umbrella option.
Your situation is relatively simple to resolve for a good accountant.

Click to expand...

In the right situation an umbrella company provides a very valuable service, and in particular to allow people get to grips with the taxation system and what needs to be done. I agree it can be a bit expensive, but the whole engagement with accountants can also be just as expensive especially if they are doing all services including payroll, VAT returns etc.

I would still suggest the OP talks to these companies, see what they have to offer him even if only to work out what needs to be done. At least at this point they would know the right questions to ask an accountant

I am not saying umbrella companies are the only option, but they should at least be considered initially and can always move away from them later if required. They are a good option to hit the ground running, if necessary.

I use Contracting PLUS and for 4% working out fine. Much easier

If you use a contracting company are you a paye employee essentially or how does it work for prsi etc ?

Accountant on a fixed quote. 4% of 100k is 4k. Most accountants will do that sort of stuff for 1-2k while happily making a decent profit. Just get a quote, keep excel records and away you go. A veil of incorporation might also be recommended to avoid mtk's very valid question.

Our accountant charges less than 2k per annum for filing our company accounts. He is not near you but I would pay a fixed fee rather than a percentage of your wages.