Get organised this summer and file your tax return early

1. Having more time with your accountant
2. Tax refunds are accelerated
3. You will have time to plan for any tax owed
4. You will reduce the risk of filing late & penalties
5. Less stress!

1. More time with your accountant

The closer we get to the deadline the busier your accountant gets. If you go to your accountant late in the game they still should be able to get your tax return in on time. You can pay your bill, no late fees and you will still be tax compliant.

However, preparing your tax return in good time ensures you have time with your accountant to explore any tax planning opportunities available to you.
 
Not rushing to complete your tax return should also reduce the risk of any information relevant to the tax return being missed. Instead of the accountant’s time being spent chasing you they can spend the time examining bank statements and any other financial documents thoroughly for any additional tax-deductible expenses which may reduce your tax bill.

2. Tax refunds are accelerated

Why wait to receive your tax refund? Once you file your tax return, your refund should be processed soon after. If you wait until October, refunds usually take longer to be issued as Revenue staff and systems can be overwhelmed at this time.

Overpayments of tax can often arise on employees or directors, where available tax credits have not been claimed in error. Building subcontractors who have had tax deducted at source through Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) are often in a tax refund position.

However, if you do have a tax bill to pay you may not need to do this straight away. You may be able to wait until the deadline to pay this. Filing early does not bring forward the payment date once preliminary income tax for the year 2025 has been paid correctly and on time.

3. Time to plan for any tax owed

Even if you file your tax return early with the Revenue Commissioners, you are only obliged to pay any tax liability by the normal due date. This is subject to having paid the correct amount of preliminary income tax and that payment was not late. Filing and calculating any tax liability arising early, allows you to take control of your bill.  

If you have a large tax bill you have the time to start budgeting and managing your cashflow. You can also look at your other options like speaking to the bank, chasing outstanding invoices and sitting down and talking through your options with your accountant.

4. Reduce the risk of filing late & penalties

Whatever you do, you do not want to miss the deadline! If you file your tax return late, you will automatically be handed a late filing surcharge which is based on the final tax liability for the year in question. 

On top of this the Revenue Commissioners are likely to charge you interest on what you owe, and late filing of tax returns can also increase your risk of being selected for a Revenue Audit.

5. Less stress and more time to spend as you wish

Getting everything together for your tax return takes time. If you leave everything until the last minute, it will be undoubtably be stressful. That sense of panic when you are still looking for the receipts as the deadline looms over your head is something you can avoid if you file early. As the October mid-term break rolls around it would be nice to be able to spend it as you wish. If you have your tax return done early then by October you can focus on scary costumes and trick or treat rather than invoices and receipts. 

How TaxAssist Accountants can help

TaxAssist Accountants are available right now to help you complete your tax return early so you know how much tax you need to pay and by when. If you are due a refund, it makes perfect sense to receive this as soon as possible. We are working with many self-employed individuals and business owners around the country who have already filed theirs and we are ready to help you too. Contact us today to make that first step.

And check our our Tax Returns Knowledge Hub to find out everything you need to know about filing a tax return in Ireland.

Last updated 3 Jun 2026 | First published 25 May 2022

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Tadhg Moriarty, FCA CTA AITI

Tadhg Moriarty is a highly skilled Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Consultant and Chartered Tax Advisor with over 15 years of experience. Tadhg has worked with private clients and family run enterprises and has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by these businesses. He is committed to helping his clients optimise their tax positions and improve their financial performance.

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