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Accounting and invoicing for hobby sellers

What began as a hobby becomes a side income: homemade goods, second-hand items, crafts. At some point the question arises from when that is a business. Saldiqo helps with invoices and receipts but does not replace the question of registration, which you clear with the authority and your tax adviser.

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What comes up for hobby sellers

When does a hobby become a business?

That depends on regularity, intention to profit and scale. Whoever records income and expenses can clear the question with figures.

Occasional customers

Buyers often pay in cash or by transfer. Whoever needs an invoice should get one.

Material and pitch fees

Wool, wood, paint, packaging and market fees are expenses worth writing down.

How Saldiqo helps

  • Record income and expensesInvoices and receipts in one place.
  • Invoice on demandCustomer, item, send.
  • Receipts by phone photoCapture receipts.
  • ReportAn overview shows whether the hobby pays for itself.

Typical invoice lines

Examples that often appear on invoices in this industry. You set the prices yourself.

  • Handmade candle, each
  • Commissioned work as requested, flat fee
  • Shipping as per order
  • Material as per receipt
  • Market fee as per receipt
  • Gift voucher worth 20

Tax and invoicing in Ireland

What applies to invoices in Ireland, in short. As of October 2026.

VAT
Standard rate 23 %, reduced rates 13.5 % and 9 %, 4.8 % for livestock, and 0 %. Since 1 July 2026 a 9 % rate applies to restaurants, catering, hot takeaway food and hairdressing, excluding alcohol and soft drinks.
VAT registration
Registration is required above €42,500 a year for services and above €85,000 for goods, if at least 90 % of turnover comes from goods. Saldiqo leaves VAT off your invoices while you are below the threshold and shows how much room is left.
What goes on an invoice
Registered businesses show their VAT number. Sole traders and partnerships providing services show their tax reference number, or their full name and address, on invoices and receipts of €7 or more (section 885 TCA). Companies show their name, CRO number and registered office, and directors’ details on letters, order forms and the website.
Invoice timing
Issue a VAT invoice within 15 days after the end of the month in which the supply took place.
E-invoicing
From 1 November 2028 every business must be able to receive e-invoices. Issuing is phased in: first for suppliers to large corporates, from November 2029 for businesses trading B2B within the EU, and from 1 July 2030 under the EU VAT in the Digital Age rules. A PDF does not count as an e-invoice, and the technical specifications are not yet published.
VAT returns
VAT3 returns are filed every two months through ROS, by the 19th of the following month, or the 23rd when you file online through ROS. Saldiqo does not file returns, your accountant or ROS does.
Record keeping
Keep records for 6 years, longer while a review is open.
Late payment
Interest on late business payments is the ECB main refinancing rate (2.40 % in the second half of 2026) plus 8 points, so 10.40 %, plus fixed compensation of €40, €70 or €100 depending on the amount owed.
Getting paid
IBAN and BIC are on every invoice, plus a SEPA QR code (EPC) for banking apps that can read it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to register a business?

That depends on your country and your activity. You clear that with the competent authority and your tax adviser. Saldiqo does not replace that advice.

Do I need invoices for private customers?

That depends on the country and the type of service. Private customers often get a receipt, on request an invoice.

Do hobby sellers in Ireland have to charge VAT?

Once they are registered, yes. Registration is required from the sale that takes turnover over €42,500 a year for services or €85,000 for goods, where at least 90 % of turnover comes from goods. Below those limits Saldiqo leaves VAT off your invoices.

Do hobby sellers in Ireland need e-invoicing?

Not yet. From 1 November 2028 every business must be able to receive e-invoices. The duty to issue them phases in from the same date for suppliers to large corporates and later for more businesses. PDF invoices do not count as e-invoices.

How long should hobby sellers keep invoices?

Keep records for 6 years, longer while a review is open. You can store receipts digitally in Saldiqo. The legal duty to keep records stays with you.

Try Saldiqo for free

Write invoices, match payments, collect receipts and send reminders: free and without a trial period.

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As of October 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice, without guarantee. For your case ask your tax adviser.