It looks like you have JavaScript disabled. Certain parts of this website may not work without it. Please enable JavaScript for the best experience.

Corporation Tax (CT)

Close companies

A close company is an Irish resident company that is controlled by

five or fewer participators
or
by participators who are directors even if they number more than five.

A participator is somebody who has a share or interest in the capital or income of a company and includes a person who:

has share capital, voting rights or loan capital in the company
has rights to any company distributions
can use company assets or income directly or indirectly for their benefit (This applies to present or future income and assets).

See Part 13 of Revenue's Tax and Duty Manuals for more information on close companies.

Next: Capital allowances and deductions

Published: 16 October 2026 Please rate how useful this page was to you Print this page

Related topics
Further guidance
- Part 13-01-01Overview of Close Companies (objectives, definition, implications, special provisions)
- Part 13-01-02Close Companies - Interpretation and General
- Part 13-02-01Interest and expenses paid to close company directors and participators
- Part 13-02-02Illustrative Examples of Close Company Provisions
- Part 13-02-03Company Charge to Income Tax on Loans to Participators
- Part 13-02-04Preliminary Corporation Tax on Loans to Participators in Close Companies
- Part 13-02-05Surcharge on Certain Undistributed Income of Close Companies
- Part 13-02-06Surcharge on Undistributed Income of Service Companies (Section 441 TCA 1997).
- Part 13-02-07Certain settlements made by Close Companies