Guide to Obtaining an Irish Tax Clearance Certificate

Getting Your Irish Tax Clearance Certificate: A Simple Guide

If you’re running a business in Dublin, your Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) is a pretty big deal. It’s basically a way of showing the world that your taxes are up to date and you’re playing by the rules. Whether you’re looking for a LEO grant, bidding for a government contract, or renewing a license, this certificate is usually the first thing people check.

At OSA McQuillan, we help Dublin startups and small businesses stay on the right side of Revenue. Here’s a breakdown of how to get yours and—more importantly—how to keep it.

Why is this important?

Tax clearance isn’t just a once-off thing anymore. Since everything moved online (the eTC system), Revenue keeps a constant eye on your status. If you miss a VAT return or a payroll update, they can pull your certificate instantly.

You’ll usually need a TCC for:

• Applying for public grants (like Dublin City LEO grants).
• Movie and film tax credits (Section 481).
• Business licenses (like for a pub, auctioneer, or bookies).
• Government contracts.

Top Tip: Don’t wait until the day a grant deadline is due. It’s much better to have an accountant keep your ROS profile “Green” all year round so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute.

How to Apply via ROS

Most businesses in Dublin apply online. Before you start, check your ROS inbox to make sure you don’t have any late forms or unpaid bills. If you’re missing a VAT3 or a Corporation Tax return, Revenue will hit the “Reject” button automatically.

Step	What to do	Details
1	Log In	Go to revenue.ie. Use ROS for companies or “myAccount” for sole traders.
2	Find eTC	Go to ‘Tax Services’ and click ‘Manage Tax Clearance.’
3	Details	Enter your PPSN or your Company Tax Reference Number.
4	Check Taxes	Make sure your registrations (VAT, PAYE, etc.) are correct.
5	Others	If someone owns more than 50% of the company, their taxes must be clean too.
6	Reason	Select why you need it (e.g., “Grant” or “Public Sector Contract”).
7	Finish	Submit and save your Application Reference Number.

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Why might you be refused?

Revenue looks for “red flags” before they say yes. Watch out for:

• Late Filing: Is your payroll reporting up to date every month?
• Old Debt: If you’re on a payment plan for old tax, are you keeping up with the monthly bits?
• Director Issues: For Dublin companies, Revenue often checks the Directors. If a Director owes personal Income Tax, the company might be blocked from getting its TCC.

Common Questions

How long does the certificate last? There isn’t an “expiry date” anymore. It stays valid as long as you keep your taxes up to date. For grants, you just give them your Tax Clearance Access Number (TCAN) so they can check your status in real-time.

What if I get turned down? Revenue will tell you why. Usually, it’s just a missing form or a small payment you forgot. Once you fix the problem, you can apply again immediately.

Is it different for a Sole Trader vs a Limited Company? The rules are the same

About OSA McQuillan

Eamon O’Sullivan has been an accountant since 1993 and set up our practice in Blackrock back in 1995. He started the firm because he wanted to help business owners spend less time staring at spreadsheets and more time doing what they actually enjoy—whether that’s rugby, running, or building their brand.

Want to make sure your taxes are never an issue? Let’s have a quick 15-minute chat to get you sorted.