The 2026 Budget introduced several important measures for business owners, employers, and innovative companies. While the Finance Bill will confirm the full detail, three key tax changes stand out that could impact entrepreneurs, employers, and R&D-focused businesses.

The Local Property Tax (LPT) is a self-assessed tax based on what you believe your property is worth. This means you are responsible for determining the market value of your property and submitting this valuation to Revenue.

Over the past few years, Irish businesses have become acutely aware of the importance of managing costs. Rising energy prices, higher wages, and supply chain pressures have pushed many to look for savings wherever possible. For some, these measures have been essential for survival. For others, the focus on cutting costs has led to an unintended problem, slower growth and reduced competitiveness.

Budget 2026 marks a strategic shift in government priorities. Announced on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, this budget takes a distinctly different approach from previous years, focusing on long-term investment rather than immediate personal tax relief.

The rise of social media has transformed how people earn income, and Irish tax authorities have moved decisively to ensure influencers meet their obligations. With Revenue issuing specific guidance and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) actively enforcing disclosure rules, the days of treating influencer income as a tax-free hobby are firmly over.

Despite continued efforts to achieve equal pay, a difference between male and female earnings still exists. The Central Statistics Office reported that in 2023 the national gender pay gap was 8.2%, meaning full-time male employees earned, on average, more than their female colleagues.

Forecasting is one of the most useful financial tools a business can rely on, but accuracy is often harder to achieve than many expect. A well-prepared forecast can guide decisions about hiring, investment, and cash flow management. An inaccurate one, on the other hand, can create false confidence, lead to overspending, and make it harder to respond to real challenges.

Profit on paper does not always translate into cash in the bank. Many businesses in Ireland run into difficulties not because they are unprofitable, but because their cash is tied up in stock, slow customer payments, or tight supplier deadlines. This is where working capital planning becomes critical. By actively managing the balance between receivables, payables, and inventory, businesses can improve day-to-day liquidity, reduce financial stress, and create the confidence to invest in long-term growth.

Are you aware of the upcoming increases to PRSI contributions?

Class A PRSI, which covers most employed persons, will increase from 4.10% to 4.20% employee rate.

The employer rate will increase from 11.15% to 11.25% and from 8.9% to 9% where weekly income is €496 or less.

Class S PRSI, which covers self-employed people, including certain company directors, will increase from 4.10% to 4.20%.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the question isn't whether your organization needs to transform—it's how quickly and effectively you can execute meaningful change. Business transformation has evolved from a strategic option to an absolute necessity for survival and growth, regardless of your organization's size, sector, or current success.

Running a successful business in Ireland means more than just delivering great products or services - it requires building a workplace where employees understand expectations, feel valued, and know their rights. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is an employee handbook.

The landscape of international trade has shifted dramatically with the EU-US framework agreement on tariffs, marking a watershed moment for Irish businesses. While the deal averted a potentially catastrophic trade war, the agreed 15% baseline tariff represents a fundamental departure from the tariff-free environment that many Irish exporters have long taken for granted. More concerning still, recent signals from Washington suggest that this may only be the beginning of a more protectionist era.

As of 16 July 2025, Section 22 of the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024 has officially come into force, bringing a significant change to Ireland’s audit exemption regime.

This update introduces a more balanced approach, moving away from the previous automatic loss of audit exemption after just one late filing.

When a business sees lower-than-expected profits, the focus often turns to increasing sales. But growth isn’t always the answer, especially if underlying costs are quietly eroding margins. In many cases, improving profitability starts by understanding exactly where your money is going and identifying what can be done more efficiently.

Big investments can shape the future of a business but only if they’re made with clarity and purpose. Whether you're thinking about upgrading equipment, investing in new technology, expanding your premises, or adding a new fleet vehicle, large purchases should be assessed not just for affordability, but for impact. A rushed or reactive decision can tie up working capital, increase debt, and reduce flexibility. A well-considered one can drive growth, reduce inefficiency, and support long-term strategy.

A good budget doesn’t just track what you’ve spent, it maps where your business is going. Strong financial planning is essential to managing growth, controlling costs, and responding to change. Whether you are expanding your operations or tightening costs, a clear and realistic budget helps business owners stay focused, prepared, and accountable.

Over the next four years, Irish businesses will see a significant transformation in payroll regulations, systems, and compliance obligations. From SEPA file updates to pension auto-enrolment and gender pay gap reporting, employers need to act now to prepare for what’s coming.

When we talk about resilience in business, it’s easy to focus solely on the numbers. Managing cash flow, planning for different financial outcomes, and maintaining liquidity are all critical. But resilience is about more than financial planning. It’s about ensuring your business can continue to operate, adapt, and recover when faced with disruption.

The conversation around workplace equality continues to grow, and Ireland is making significant progress in tackling one of its longest-standing challenges: the gender pay gap. In 2025, businesses across the country face expanded reporting requirements that demand focused attention and early preparation.

The workplace is undergoing substantial change. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, which draws on insights from over 1,000 global employers across 22 industries, we are entering a new phase of workforce transformation. For Irish businesses and employees, these shifts bring both challenges and significant opportunities.