Lisa Lokasto

  • VAT, Pre-Trading Expenses & Loss Relief: The 3 Traps That can cost you!

    If you’re launching your business and you’re deep into Google searches trying to figure out VAT, expense claims and startup losses, you’re not alone. But there are a few traps that come up again and again. I’ve seen them across every sector, and they usually cost founders money they didn’t expect to lose. These are Read more

  • Vinted Ireland: So, What’s That All About?

    If you live in Ireland, you’ve probably heard someone mention Vinted lately. It seems like everyone’s at it. Even my mother knows about it. In case you haven’t come across it yet, Vinted is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell secondhand clothes, shoes, accessories, and homewares. It’s very affordable, and things arrive Read more

  • Reassessing Hybrid Work: AIB’s Shift and Its Implications

    AIB has tightened up and become the strictest of Ireland’s retail banks when it comes to hybrid working arrangements. Staff are now to be in the office three days a week from the start of 2026. This new policy shifts the bank’s position (which required two office days), and follows the broader trend across the Read more

  • New VAT Rules Affecting Influencers in Ireland

    22 July 2025Revenue eBrief No. 140/25The VAT Treatment of Social Media Influencers Revenue has finally published official VAT guidance for social media influencers. This is a long awaited update that brings clarity to an industry that’s been growing fast and attracting increased tax scrutiny. Until now, Irish influencers were subject to the standard VAT rules Read more

  • Audit Relief Now in Effect – CRO Confirms Start Date

    Update: The Companies Registration Office (CRO) has confirmed that the new audit exemption rules for SMEs commenced on 16 July 2025. Key points: This change offers welcome regulatory relief for small and micro companies in Ireland, reducing unnecessary audit costs for once-off delays. 📌 Original Post: Relief for SMEs: Audit Rule Change Takes Effect Read more

  • RSA’s Driver Tester Reallocation: Impacts on Haulage

    The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is warning that The RSA have reallocated driver testers from commercial vehicle licences to meet car test demand and this creates several challenges. The IRHA outlined these concerns in a letter to Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State Sean Canney. Irish times article: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/21/hauliers-accuse-rsa-of-moving-driving-testers-off-commercial-vehicles/ Key Finance & Budget Read more

  • Should You Pay Off Debt or Build a Rainy Day Fund First?

    One of the most common personal finance dilemmas is whether to pay down debt or save for a rainy day first. It’s a tricky question and most people probably think they should park saving and work on getting their debt down first. My personal opinion, I’d say start with the rainy day fund. Why the Read more

  • VAT Registration: When to Register for Your Business

    “Should I register for VAT, even if I’m under the threshold?” This is another question I hear a lot. The answer, as always, depends on your business, but here’s a plain-English overview to help you weigh it up. In Ireland, you only have to register for VAT if your turnover exceeds: When Revenue assesses whether Read more

  • Relief for SMEs: Audit Rule Change Takes Effect

    After years of discussion and engagement across the business, legal, and regulatory communities, a long-anticipated change to Ireland’s audit exemption regime has finally come into effect. As of today, small and micro companies will no longer automatically lose their audit exemption for a first late filing of an B1 annual return to the CRO within Read more

“We’re a nation of small businesses and big opinions.”