Specialist RCT support
Keep Your Accountant. Let Us Handle Your RCT.
Managing Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) can be time-consuming, particularly when you're handling multiple subcontractors and payment notifications.
Richard OShea Consultancy provides dedicated RCT support for contractors and subcontractors in Ireland while you keep your existing accountant and current arrangements.
- Standalone RCT service
- No accountant switch
- Practical compliance support
RCT payment calculator
How Much RCT Will Be Deducted?
Net payment to subcontractor€8,000.00
- RCT deducted
- €2,000.00
Illustrative calculation. The actual deduction must follow the authorisation issued by Revenue for the relevant payment.
No need to switch accountants
Already Have an Accountant? That's Absolutely Fine.
You don't need to change accountants to get help with RCT.
Our standalone RCT service allows you to get specialist support with your Relevant Contracts Tax requirements while keeping your existing accounting arrangements in place.
Whether you need ongoing assistance or help with specific RCT obligations, we can focus on that part of your business without taking over your wider accounts or tax affairs.
Keep your existing accountant
Continue working with the accountant who already manages your business finances.
Get dedicated RCT support
Have your RCT requirements handled separately, without adding another responsibility to your workload.
A service that fits your business
Get support based on your RCT requirements, whether you manage a small number of subcontractors or deal with regular payments.
RCT support for your business
Support for Principal Contractors and Subcontractors
RCT applies to certain payments made under relevant contracts in the construction, forestry and meat-processing industries.
We provide dedicated support for businesses paying subcontractors and those receiving payments, whether you need help with ongoing RCT requirements or specific compliance matters.

Principal Contractors
For businesses paying subcontractors
Managing subcontractor payments means keeping contract notifications, payment details and RCT records accurate and up to date.
Our support can include:
- Principal contractor RCT registration guidance
- Relevant contract notifications
- Subcontractor payment notifications
- RCT deduction authorisations
- Deduction summary reviews
- Filing and compliance support

Subcontractors
For tradespeople and businesses receiving payments
Understanding your RCT deduction rate and keeping track of deductions can help you stay on top of your tax obligations.
Our support can include:
- RCT registration guidance
- Understanding your RCT deduction rate
- Reviewing RCT deductions and payment records
- Guidance on tax compliance issues
- Assistance understanding available RCT credits
- Support with relevant tax return and repayment queries
Already have an accountant?
You can still use our RCT service independently. There's no need to transfer your accounts or change your existing arrangements.
RCT and the construction industry
Keep Your Subcontractor Payments on Track
Principal contractors must notify Revenue of contracts and payments through ROS before paying subcontractors. We help you stay on track, without moving your accounts to us.
How RCT works
From Contract Notification to Payment
RCT involves a number of steps that principal contractors need to manage through Revenue's Online Service (ROS). We can help you understand and manage the process.
The diagram follows the payment in the calculator above. Change the amount or rate and watch the split update.
Register as a Principal Contractor
Businesses required to operate RCT must register with Revenue and use ROS to manage their obligations.
How we helpWe provide guidance on registration requirements and getting your RCT arrangements set up.
Notify the Relevant Contract
When you enter into a relevant contract with a subcontractor, you must notify Revenue and provide the required contract and subcontractor details.
How we helpWe assist with the information and notification requirements for relevant contracts.
Notify Each Payment
Before making a relevant payment, the principal contractor must notify Revenue of the gross payment amount and payment date. Revenue then issues a deduction authorisation.
How we helpWe support the payment notification process and help you check the deduction details.
Review the Deduction Summary
Revenue prepares a deduction summary based on the payment notifications submitted. The principal contractor should review the summary, correct any errors and pay the RCT deducted by the applicable deadline.
How we helpWe help review deduction summaries and identify discrepancies that may need attention.
You can use our service for these RCT requirements without transferring your wider accounting responsibilities.
Avoid unnecessary RCT issues
Six Common RCT Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
RCT requirements involve several notifications, payment records and deadlines. Small administrative errors can create additional work and compliance issues.
Here are six areas worth paying attention to.
-
Mistake 01
Paying Before Notifying Revenue
Principal contractors must notify Revenue of a relevant payment before making it. Failing to obtain the correct deduction authorisation can result in a penalty.
How we helpWe support the payment notification process and help keep relevant payment information organised.
-
Mistake 02
Misclassifying an Employee as a Subcontractor
Not everyone working on a construction project is automatically self-employed. Employment status must be assessed based on the working arrangements and relevant Revenue guidance.
How we helpWe can help identify employment-status questions that may need further review before an arrangement is treated as an RCT contract.
-
Mistake 03
Not Sharing Deduction Details
When Revenue authorises an RCT deduction, the principal contractor must provide the subcontractor with a copy of, or details from, the deduction authorisation.
How we helpWe help ensure deduction information is properly recorded and communicated.
-
Mistake 04
Leaving Payment Notifications Incorrect
Payment notifications should reflect the payments actually being made. Changes to payment arrangements may require corrections or follow-up through ROS.
How we helpWe help review payment records and identify notifications that may need attention.
-
Mistake 05
Assuming RCT Does Not Apply
RCT can apply to relevant work carried out in Ireland, including where a subcontractor or business is based outside the country.
How we helpWe help you understand whether your contracts and work arrangements may fall within RCT requirements.
-
Mistake 06
Ignoring the Deduction Summary
Revenue prepares deduction summaries using the payment notifications submitted during the relevant period. Missing or incorrect information can affect the accuracy of the summary.
How we helpWe help review deduction summaries against payment records and identify discrepancies.
Straightforward RCT support
Dedicated RCT Support That Works Alongside Your Existing Accountant
You don't need to transfer your entire accounting relationship to get the RCT support your business needs.
Whether you need assistance with regular payment notifications or help reviewing an existing RCT arrangement, we can discuss a service that suits your requirements.
Your RCT support
Guidance and assistance with principal contractor or subcontractor registration and RCT setup.
Support with relevant contract notifications, payment notifications, deduction summaries and related compliance requirements.
Assistance reviewing existing RCT records, identifying discrepancies and addressing outstanding notification or filing issues.
Who you'll work with
Practical RCT Support From an Experienced Team
Richard OShea Consultancy is a Carrigaline, Cork based practice led by Richard OShea, a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser.
Our team works with SMEs, construction businesses and owner-managed companies, providing practical accounting and tax support.
Through our standalone RCT service, our team helps businesses manage their RCT requirements without needing to transfer their wider accounting arrangements.
Whether you need ongoing assistance or help with a specific RCT issue, you can discuss your requirements directly with our team.
- Chartered Accountant led
- Chartered Tax Adviser led
- Based in Carrigaline, Cork
Client experiences
Trusted for Practical Accounting and Tax Support
Here's what some of our clients have shared about working with Richard OShea Consultancy.
EXCELLENT
Based on 15 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
jacky wattsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Richard is amazing plain and simple great thank youPosted on Google![]()
John CashmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Richard helped me start my new business and provides a flexible, tailored service that fits my business needs. He is responsive to enquiries and provides excellent advice and support. I would recommend him to budding entrepreneurs looking for a fresh approach.Posted on Google![]()
Mwasho PhiriTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am delighted with the service provided by Richard OShea Consultancy. Very professional and helpful for anyone who is still learning the Revenue process as with my small business. Always available to answer any queries at any time.Posted on Google![]()
Niamh PriorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Coming from an arts background with little education in finance, taxes etc, I was extremely satisfied with Richard's service. He was efficient and enthusiastic, as well as patient in explaining things to me and answering all my questions.Posted on Google![]()
Arleen Mc DonaghTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I couldn’t recommend Richard enough. I came across his services through Bark. Richard was a pleasure to deal with, professional, extremely responsive and very helpful with any queries I had. Overall, excellent service.Posted on Google![]()
AK AutomotiveTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Richard was great to work with and helped me massively in the process of setting up my company! Will definitely be working with Richard again.Posted on Google![]()
Emiliaz JewelleryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently worked with Richard from Richard O'Shea Consultancy for our accounting needs at Emiliaz Jewellery, and we couldn't be more satisfied. Richard's professionalism and expertise were evident from the start. He provided clear, insightful advice and managed our accounts with exceptional skill and efficiency. His friendly demeanour made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend Richard for anyone in need of top-notch accounting services!Posted on Google![]()
Pauric CoyleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Richard was hired to do the accounts and give tax advice for my golf rental Bussiness. He keeps myself and my staff up to date on tax deadlines and all relevant paperwork. He is a pleasure to work with and everything is done with great precision. Richard has made this end of my company to run seamless without any stress. He always has time to answer and accounting queries and questions I may have.Posted on Google![]()
Lucy GTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I found Richard’s company via Facebook when I was looking for a very reputable accountant for my new start up business. From the initial contact right through to the business set up, Richard has been nothing but highly professional, diligent and all round just fantastic at his job. He has wide ranging knowledge for anyone wanting to use his services. I would recommend connecting with Richard if you are looking for invaluable advise regarding starting your own business and to those already in business that might not currently be getting the service and expertise they desire. Everything was seamless for my start up and Richard looked after everything that needed to be done from a practical and legal standpoint. I would highly recommend Richard for anyone in business.Posted on Google![]()
Annie WolfTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I found Richard's firm on Bark. From the get go he was very friendly and professional and happy to answer any questions I had. He was prompt and thorough and made it very clear what I needed to do on my end in terms of documents required or adjustments that needed to be made to my accounts. It really took all the stress out of the process for me. I would highly recommend Richard's service, worth every penny!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified that these reviews were published on Richard OShea Consultancy's Google Business Profile. Learn more
RCT information
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my accountant to use your RCT service?
No. Our RCT service is available independently of your existing accounting arrangements. You can continue working with your current accountant while we assist specifically with your RCT requirements.
Can you work alongside my existing accountant?
Yes. We can focus on the RCT work you need assistance with and coordinate relevant information with your existing accountant where necessary and with your agreement.
Do you offer RCT support as a standalone service?
Yes. You can engage us specifically for RCT support without transferring your bookkeeping, annual accounts or other tax affairs.
What are the current RCT deduction rates?
Revenue uses three RCT deduction rates:
- 0% for subcontractors with an up-to-date tax compliance record.
- 20% for subcontractors with a substantially up-to-date tax compliance record.
- 35% for subcontractors with a poor tax compliance record or who are not registered.
Revenue determines the applicable rate and issues a deduction authorisation for each payment.
What happens if I make a payment without notifying Revenue?
Making a relevant payment without the correct deduction authorisation can result in a penalty. The applicable penalty depends on the subcontractor's RCT status. If you discover an unreported payment, you should address it promptly.
Can I use your other accounting services later?
Of course. If your business needs change, you can discuss additional accounting and tax support with our team. There is no obligation to transfer your wider accounting arrangements when you first engage our RCT service.
How much does RCT support cost?
The cost depends on the type of support required, the number of subcontractors and the volume of contract and payment notifications involved. Contact us to discuss your requirements and request a quote.
Get started
Get the RCT Support You Need. Keep the Accountant You Have.
You don't need to change your accountant to get help with RCT. Whether you need support with contract notifications, subcontractor payments or ongoing RCT compliance, Richard OShea Consultancy can help you manage these requirements as a standalone service.
Practical RCT support for contractors and subcontractors in Ireland.

