Farm accounting software in Ireland: bookkeeping for farmers

Revenue describes the flat-rate scheme as a special scheme for farmers who are not registered, or required to register, for VAT. Such farmers are entitled to the flat-rate addition on their supplies of agricultural produce and services, which compensates them for VAT paid on inputs they cannot reclaim. The addition was 5.1% in 2025 and is 4.5% from 1 January 2026.

Some farmers register, for example because of non-farming activities or large capital investment. A registered farmer charges VAT at the applicable rate, including the 4.8% livestock rate, files VAT3 returns and reclaims VAT on inputs. The choice has long-term consequences, so take advice before registering.

Your accountant needs each of these grouped consistently to prepare the accounts.

• Sales of livestock, milk, crops and other produce, with mart and co-op statements.
• The flat-rate addition received on each sale, if unregistered.
• Inputs: feed, fertiliser, veterinary costs, contractors and fuel.
• Capital purchases of machinery and buildings.
• Grants and scheme payments, recorded separately from trading income.

Upload bank statements and photograph or upload mart statements, co-op statements and supplier invoices. HelloBooks reads them, proposes the account and VAT treatment, and waits for your confirmation. Set up separate income accounts for each enterprise, such as dairy, beef or tillage, so the reports show which parts of the farm are paying.

Department of Agriculture payments and other scheme income belong on their own income accounts, separate from sales of produce. They are treated differently in the accounts, and your accountant will want to see each one by name and date.

Once a month, upload the bank statement, photograph the month’s receipts and statements, and confirm the proposed coding. It takes far less time than a year-end sort, and the accounts are ready when the busy season ends.

Farm accounts often wait until the season is over.

Invite your accountant into the books instead of sending a bag of receipts at year end. They can review the coding through the year and ask questions while the details are fresh, which usually means a lower fee and fewer surprises.