Business finance guides for Irish companies
Plain-language guides to business loans, cash flow finance, asset finance, grants and State supports, written for Irish limited companies. Each guide lists its official sources and the date it was last reviewed.
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- Explainer
Van VAT reclaim, capital allowances and BIK in Ireland
Van VAT reclaim rules for Irish companies, plus capital allowances, BIK on company vans and cars in 2026, VRT and how hire purchase or leasing changes timing.
Last reviewed 22 October 2026
- Explainer
R&D tax credit in Ireland: how it is paid and how to fund the wait
How Ireland’s 35% R&D tax credit is paid in three instalments, the new €87,500 first instalment, when the cash arrives and how Irish companies fund the wait.
Last reviewed 22 October 2026
- Guide
How to finance buying a business or MBO in Ireland
How to finance buying a business in Ireland: the buyers' own money, bank debt and vendor finance for an MBO, plus section 82 and the Summary Approval Procedure.
Last reviewed 21 October 2026
- Explainer
Equipment finance for new companies: what Irish lenders expect
Equipment finance for new companies in Ireland: the trading history, deposits, asset types and guarantees lenders expect, and what start-ups should know.
Last reviewed 21 October 2026
- Guide
Import finance in Ireland: stock and trade finance for importers
Import finance for Irish companies: postponed accounting, deferred duty, stock and supplier-payment finance, what lenders check and a pre-order checklist.
Last reviewed 21 October 2026
- Guide
Central Credit Register company report: how to check yours
How an Irish company requests its Central Credit Register report, what it costs, what lenders can see, how long records stay, and how to correct any errors.
Last reviewed 21 October 2026
- Guide
How to consolidate business debt in Ireland: a step-by-step guide
How to consolidate business debt in Ireland step by step: a debt schedule, total cost, what lenders check, the CCR effect and what to do if you fall behind.
Last reviewed 21 October 2026
- Explainer
RCT rates and cash flow for construction companies in Ireland
How RCT rates of 0%, 20% and 35% affect cash flow for Irish construction companies, how to get your RCT rate reviewed, RCT refunds and your 2013 Act rights.
Last reviewed 21 October 2026
- Guide
Tax clearance certificate in Ireland: how companies get one
How an Irish company gets a tax clearance certificate on ROS, connected persons, how long it lasts, what to do if tax clearance is refused and why lenders ask.
Last reviewed 21 October 2026
Questions about our guides
What do your guides cover?
Practical, Ireland-specific guides for directors of limited companies: SBCI schemes, business loan documents, bank refusals and the Credit Review Service, invoice finance, Revenue tax debt, hire purchase and leasing, personal guarantees, grants and state supports, late payment interest and funding energy upgrades. Each sets out how it works, costs, risks and alternatives.
Where does the information in your guides come from?
From primary Irish sources such as Revenue, the Central Bank of Ireland, the SBCI, SEAI, the CRO, the CSO and government departments, plus lenders’ own published information. Every guide lists its sources with the date they were checked, and shows when it was last reviewed.
Are the guides financial advice?
No. Our guides are general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and they do not take account of your company’s circumstances. Use them to understand your options and prepare questions, then speak to your accountant or solicitor before making decisions.
Do your guides only cover products you can arrange?
No. We also explain products we do not arrange, such as SBCI loans, as fairly as those we can, and say where to apply for them.
How often are the guides updated?
We review guides when rules, rates or schemes change, such as a Budget or a new SBCI scheme, and at least every 6 months. The review date is shown at the top of each guide, and figures that change often are dated.
Who writes the guides?
The Welcome Finance editorial team researches and writes every guide, following our editorial policy. Lenders do not pay for, write or approve our content. If you spot an error, email support@welcomefinance.ie and we will check it against the source and update the guide.