How to Prepare for a Revenue Compliance Check in Ireland
Introduction
Getting a letter from Revenue about a compliance check can feel daunting—but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.
A compliance check is Revenue’s way of making sure businesses are reporting and paying taxes correctly. It’s typically less intense than a full audit but still important to handle properly.
Here’s how Irish taxpayers can prepare for a Revenue compliance check—and stay on the right side of the law—based on the latest Revenue.ie guidelines.
What Is a Compliance Check?
A compliance check is a review of your tax affairs to ensure your filings are correct.
Revenue might check:
- VAT returns
- PAYE records
- Corporation tax filings
- Personal income declarations
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) filings
It’s not a full audit—but if discrepancies are found, it can escalate.
What Triggers a Compliance Check?
Revenue selects cases based on:
- Random sampling
- Discrepancies in tax returns
- Industry risk factors
- Third-party reports
Pro Tip: Revenue also uses data analytics and cross-references information with banks, employers, and other institutions.
How to Prepare: Step-by-Step
| Step | What to Do |
| 1. Review the Letter | Understand exactly what Revenue is requesting. It will specify the taxes and periods under review. |
| 2. Gather Documents | Collect all relevant documents like invoices, bank statements, payroll records, and contracts. |
| 3. Double-Check Your Returns | Review your original tax returns. Flag and correct any honest errors before Revenue does. |
| 4. Organize Your Records | Ensure documents are easy to access and logically ordered. |
| 5. Seek Professional Help | Engage a tax advisor if needed—especially if the issues are complex. |
| 6. Respond Promptly |
Revenue usually sets strict deadlines for responses. |
Pro Tip: Transparency and cooperation with Revenue can reduce penalties if any underpayments are found.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Ignoring the letter.
❌ Rushing and submitting incomplete documents.
❌ Attempting to hide errors.
❌ Not seeking advice when unsure.
Remember: Revenue may escalate the case into a full audit if concerns aren’t properly addressed.
Conclusion
A Revenue compliance check isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to make sure your records are in order. Proper preparation and honest communication can resolve most checks quickly and smoothly.
At TaxReturned.ie, we support Irish businesses through every step of compliance—making checks and audits far less stressful.
Facing a compliance check? Contact TaxReturned.ie today for expert guidance and peace of mind.