Paying yourself a dividend: DWT and the paperwork
Before paying a dividend, your company needs enough distributable reserves. It deducts dividend withholding tax (DWT) at 25%, then pays it and files a DWT return on ROS by the 14th of the following month.
First, can the company pay one?
A company can only pay dividends out of profits available for distribution, broadly its accumulated realised profits less accumulated realised losses. Paying a dividend the company can't afford is unlawful, so check the latest accounts or management figures first.
The paperwork
- A board minute or resolution declaring the dividend, in line with the company's constitution.
- A dividend voucher for each shareholder, showing the gross dividend, the DWT deducted and the net amount paid.
Dividend withholding tax
Irish companies deduct DWT at 25% from dividends they pay. A shareholder due a €1,000 dividend receives €750, and the company pays €250 to Revenue.
The company must pay the DWT and file the DWT return on ROS by the 14th of the month after the month the dividend is paid. A dividend paid on 10 June is due by 14 July.
Tax for the shareholder
Shareholders declare the gross dividend on their income tax return and pay income tax, USC and PRSI on it, with credit for the DWT already deducted. A director paying themselves dividends usually needs to file a Form 11.
We can handle it
Our dividend package covers the paperwork and the DWT return for €149.99 + VAT.
Last checked 13 November 2026. This guide is general information, not advice for your company. Tax rules change, so check with us or Revenue before acting.