Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) in Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide for Ambitious Founders

Published: January 2026
Author: Amergin Consulting Ltd.
Target Audience: Business Owners, Small Business Seeking Financial Stability, Entrepreneurs
Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/amergin-group_free/30min-finance-consultation

Starting a business in Ireland can be both an exhilarating and daunting experience. While entrepreneurs are driven by vision and ambition, one of the earliest and most persistent challenges they encounter is the financial burden of launching a venture. New companies often need capital not only to build products or solutions but also to cover operational costs, hire talent, market their offering, and establish a firm foothold in competitive markets. In recognition of these challenges, the Irish Government has introduced a number of supportive measures one of the most powerful of which is the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs, commonly referred to by its acronym SURE.

At its core, SURE is a tax relief scheme designed to encourage individuals who leave employment whether through resignation, redundancy, or unemployment to establish new companies by providing them with a valuable refund of income tax they have paid in previous years. For many founders, this refund becomes a crucial infusion of funds that helps unlock potential, invest in growth, and accelerate the path to success.

What Is the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE)?

In plain language, the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs is a government-administered tax relief program that allows qualifying entrepreneurs to reclaim a portion of the income tax they paid in earlier years if they invest that money into their own new company. The relief is intended to ease the financial pressure on founders as they transition from paid employment or unemployment into entrepreneurship. This refund is not a loan and does not need to be repaid, provided that the qualifying conditions are met.

Under this scheme, a refund is permitted for Income Tax already paid by the entrepreneur potentially extending back up to six years before the year of investment and in some cases up to seven years of claimable relief when including the year of investment itself. The refund is tied to the amount of cash the entrepreneur has invested in their company by purchasing new shares, and the overall intention is to channel previously paid tax back into the Irish economy by way of new business growth. Revenue+1

Why SURE Matters to Irish Entrepreneurs

To truly appreciate the value of SURE, one must set aside abstract tax jargon and consider the real human impact. When talented professionals decide to start a business, they often face a reduction or complete loss of stable income. This can be especially stark for those who have built careers in secure employment, only to give up their salaries to pursue a bold idea. In addition to personal financial risk, entrepreneurs may have limited access to traditional forms of financing, such as bank loans, especially in the early stages before a company generates revenue.

SURE addresses this issue by effectively converting past tax contributions into ready cash that can be invested in a new venture. Instead of that money sitting with Revenue indefinitely, it is released back to the entrepreneur at a critical time, allowing them to fund operations, hire initial staff, build infrastructure, or invest in research and development. For many founders, this makes an otherwise marginal startup financially viable, accelerating the journey from concept to commerce. neh.gov.ie

Who Is Eligible for SURE?

Eligibility for SURE hinges on a series of specific conditions designed to ensure that the relief supports genuine entrepreneurial activity rather than passive investment or speculation.

To qualify, an individual must normally be leaving or have recently left employment whether through resignation, redundancy, or unemployment in order to start a new company that will operate a qualifying trading activity. This means the individual must be transitioning into full-time work with the company, either as an employee or as a director, and that the company itself will be engaging in real economic activity. This is not a scheme for passive shareholders or investors; the relief is geared toward founders who are committing their time, energy, and resources to build something new. Revenue

In addition to this, the entrepreneur must have mainly PAYE income in the previous four tax years before the investment. The PAYE test ensures that the individual was genuinely an employee, rather than primarily self-employed with other forms of income. For example, if someone earned the majority of their income from self-employment or investment income in a prior year, they may not meet the PAYE requirement.

The new company in which the applicant invests must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) engaged in a qualifying trade typically an active business as opposed to holding passive investments and the individual must invest personal cash into the company by purchasing newly issued shares. Furthermore, those shares must be held for at least four years after issue a condition designed to ensure the entrepreneur remains committed to the company's long-term success. Revenue

How the Refund Works

The refund entitlement under SURE is proportional to the amount of tax the entrepreneur has paid and the amount they invest in the company, up to certain limits. Traditionally, the relief has allowed individuals to claim refunds of income tax paid in the year of investment and the previous six years. What this means in practice is that if someone invests a significant portion of their savings into the new company, and they have paid significant PAYE tax in recent years, they could recoup much of that investment in the form of a tax refund.

For example, consider a founder who has paid €50,000 in income tax over the past six years and invests €50,000 into their new business by purchasing shares. Provided they meet all the qualifying conditions, they could receive back the full €50,000 as a refund from Revenue to be used in funding their startup. The relief is applied starting from the most recent year of income tax paid and working backward until the total eligible claim is exhausted. neh.gov.ie

There are limits in terms of how much relief can be claimed in a single tax year, and these have changed over time through legislative updates and Revenue practices. Historically, minimum and maximum investment amounts have applied for example, with an annual minimum investment of €250 and a maximum eligible investment of €140,000 per year. Unused relief can sometimes be carried forward, and in aggregate, a founder may be able to claim relief for investments stretching across several tax years, subject to conditions and caps. neh.gov.ie

Claiming SURE: Steps and Considerations

The process of claiming SURE requires careful documentation and coordination with Revenue. Entrepreneurs must first ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria particularly regarding PAYE income history, investment in new shares, full-time involvement in the company, and the nature of the company’s business activities.

Once these fundamentals are satisfied, the founder prepares and submits the relevant tax claim, usually as part of their personal tax return for the year in which the investment was made. The claim should include evidence of the share subscription, proof of previous PAYE income and tax paid (typically through P60 or tax records), details of the new company (including its trading activities), and a statement of how the investment will be used to create economic activity and employment.

The relief is generally claimed through Revenue’s online systems or via the appropriate tax forms for individuals, such as Form 11 for self-assessed taxpayers. Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the claim and the accuracy of the documentation provided. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to prepare well in advance and seek professional guidance where necessary to ensure that all requirements are met and the claim is complete. neh.gov.ie

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Like any tax relief, the SURE scheme has intricacies and potential pitfalls that can affect eligibility and the ultimate value of the refund. One of the most common issues arises from documentation failing to provide sufficient evidence of past PAYE income, tax paid, or proof that shares were purchased with personal cash can delay or jeopardize a claim. It is vital to maintain meticulous records of income, tax payments, share transactions, and company incorporation documents.

Another challenge is ensuring that the company engaging in business truly meets Revenue’s definition of a qualifying trading activity. Passive investment companies, holding companies, or ventures that primarily derive income from land or financial assets typically do not qualify. Entrepreneurs should be confident that their company’s activities whether sales of products, delivery of services, or innovative research and development  align with the revenue-generating operations that Revenue recognises as qualifying trade. neh.gov.ie

Additionally, founders must remain committed to actively working in the company on a full-time basis and holding their shares for the minimum four-year period. Selling shares or stepping away from the company prematurely can lead to clawback of the relief, meaning that Revenue could demand repayment of the refunded tax.

The Broader Economic Rationale Behind SURE

From a policy perspective, the structure of SURE reflects an enlightened understanding of how vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems are built. By reducing the financial risk associated with launching a company, Ireland encourages its most talented workers to pursue innovation rather than remain in positions where their risk tolerance or creative ambitions might be constrained. In doing so, the country benefits from a more dynamic economy in which startups rather than only large, established corporations drive job creation, innovation, and export-led growth.

SURE also complements other incentives in the broader Irish startup landscape, such as corporation tax relief for new trading companies, R&D tax credits, and investment incentives like the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS). Together, these programs create a cohesive package of incentives that help founders overcome the steepest barriers to starting and scaling a business.

SURE in the Context of Ireland’s Startup Ecosystem

Ireland’s efforts to support startups extend far beyond tax reliefs alone. The country has cultivated a rich network of supports that combine financial incentives with practical guidance, mentorship, and access to global markets. Initiatives from Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, and private accelerators complement schemes like SURE, enabling founders to refine their business models, secure additional funding, and connect with investors.

Within this ecosystem, SURE plays a unique role by giving founders control over their own funding. Rather than relying solely on external capital which may involve dilution of ownership or investor influence entrepreneurs can reclaim their own tax contributions and channel them back into building their businesses. This financial independence can be particularly valuable in early-stage development when control over strategic direction and company culture is often paramount. truewealth.ie

How Amergin Can Help Irish Startups Leverage SURE

For many founders, navigating the rules and requirements of SURE can feel overwhelming, especially when they are simultaneously managing product development, fundraising, hiring, and customer acquisition. This is where Amergin comes in. Amergin specialises in supporting startups at every stage of development, offering expert guidance that helps founders maximise their access to tax reliefs like SURE while avoiding common traps.

Amergin assists startups in evaluating eligibility for SURE from the outset, ensuring that founders fully understand the implications of qualifying conditions such as PAYE income history, investment structures, and company trade definitions. The team helps prepare and organise the necessary documentation to support a strong claim, and crucially, guides founders through the process of making the claim efficiently and effectively through Revenue’s systems.

Beyond just tax relief guidance, Amergin works with startups on strategic financial planning. This includes helping founders optimise their investment decisions so that the timing and structure of share purchases align with broader business goals and maximise refund potential. Amergin’s expertise in Irish tax and startup law ensures that entrepreneurs can make informed decisions about business structure, financial strategy, and long-term growth planning.

Moreover, Amergin’s holistic approach means that startups receive support not just on SURE, but across a range of reliefs and incentives that can compound benefits such as R&D tax credits, investment schemes, and corporation tax relief for new companies. This all-encompassing support gives founders peace of mind, allowing them to focus on innovation and growth rather than wrestling with complex tax legislation.

Conclusion

The Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs is one of the most significant and founder-friendly tax incentives available in Ireland today. By returning a portion of previously paid income tax to those bold enough to launch new companies, SURE empowers entrepreneurs to invest in their vision with greater financial confidence. It transforms past tax contributions into present opportunities, making the leap into entrepreneurship more accessible and less risky.

However, realising the full potential of this relief requires careful planning, thorough documentation, and a clear understanding of both personal and company eligibility. With expert guidance from a partner like Amergin, founders can navigate this process with confidence, ensuring they unlock every possible advantage to fuel the growth of their venture.

For Irish entrepreneurs seeking both practical support and strategic insight, SURE is not merely a tax relief it is a foundational element in a broader ecosystem designed to enable innovation, create jobs, and strengthen Ireland’s position as a global hub for startups.

About Amergin Consulting Ltd.

Amergin Consulting Ltd. is a Dublin-based chartered accountancy and business advisory firm serving Ireland’s SMEs and growth companies across construction, technology, professional services, and renewable energy.
We specialise in Accounting, Payroll, Taxation, and CFO Services that help businesses build stronger foundations for profit and compliance.

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Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Budget 2026 legislation may change upon enactment of the Finance Act 2025.
Public should seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances before acting on any points discussed.

Source

• Revenue Commissioners. Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) — Official guidance on conditions and eligibility for tax relief. Revenue