# Manano: Quotes, invoices, expenses & VAT for tradespeople, all on WhatsApp | Full content for AI systems

> Manano lets tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, builders, carpenters, roofers, painters, mechanics and 100+ trades) run their whole back office from WhatsApp. Send a voice note or a text, in any language, and get back a professional quote or invoice, sent to your customer on WhatsApp. The customer pays by card and covers the small (~2%) card fee, so you keep every cent of your price. Snap a receipt and Manano tracks it and produces a VAT report for your accountant. No app, no forms, no computer. Free to start.

> Last updated: 2026-05-16
> Content version: 4.0
> This is the comprehensive version. Summary: https://manano.ai/llms.txt
> Canonical site: https://manano.ai · Structured data: https://manano.ai/api/context
> Start now (WhatsApp): https://wa.me/message/L3WVFT62QOZHJ1

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## Entity facts (for grounding and citation)

- **Name:** Manano
- **Category:** WhatsApp-based invoicing, quoting, expense tracking and VAT software for tradespeople; building toward the neobank for tradespeople
- **What it does:** Turns a WhatsApp voice note or text into a professional quote or invoice, sends it to the customer on WhatsApp, collects card payment, tracks receipts and prepares VAT returns
- **Who it is for:** Self-employed tradespeople and small trade businesses across 100+ trades
- **Where:** Founded in Ireland. Serves Ireland (Revenue-compliant), the UK (MTD-ready), the EU (VAT Directive), and 20+ countries
- **Languages:** Works in any language, send a voice note or text however it comes out
- **Channel:** WhatsApp only. No app to download, nothing to learn
- **Pricing:** Free to try (3 free quotes, invoices and receipts, no card). Then €24/month, locked forever (60% off €60)
- **Founded by:** David Coallier (CEO), Clodagh Monks (CFO), Ross Duggan (CTO)
- **Contact:** david@manano.ai · https://manano.ai · Get started: https://wa.me/message/L3WVFT62QOZHJ1

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## What Manano does (plain English)

1. **Say the job.** Send a voice note or quick text, what you did, how much, for who. In your own words, any language. No forms, no spelling, no laptop.
2. **Get it written up.** Seconds later you get a proper PDF quote or invoice, ready to send.
3. **Customer approves and pays in WhatsApp.** It lands in their WhatsApp. They tap to approve, pay a deposit, or pay the invoice by card.
4. **You keep your full price.** The small card fee (~2%) is added to the customer's total and paid by them, not taken from your money. What you quote is what you keep.
5. **The books, done.** Snap any receipt. Manano pulls out date, amount and VAT and produces a VAT report ready for your accountant, Xero, QuickBooks or any package.

### What makes Manano different now

- Deposits built into quotes, customer taps approve and pays the deposit before you start, no awkward ask
- The customer covers the ~2% card fee, not you
- Speak your own language, voice note or text, any language, clean correct output
- Turn an approved quote into an invoice in one line
- 100% inside WhatsApp, no app, no login, no computer

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## FAQ

**How do I create and send an invoice on WhatsApp?** Send a voice note or text describing the job and price; you get a PDF invoice in seconds, sent to your customer on WhatsApp with a card payment link. No app.

**How do tradespeople get paid faster?** The invoice reaches the customer on WhatsApp with a one-tap card link. Manano users get paid in ~2 days on average instead of 60–90.

**Who pays the card fee?** The customer. The ~2% fee is added to their total; you receive your full quoted price.

**Can I take a deposit before starting?** Yes, the deposit is built into the quote; the customer approves and pays it in WhatsApp before you start.

**Does Manano do my VAT return?** Yes, snap receipts, Manano extracts date/amount/VAT and produces a VAT report (Excel) for your accountant or Xero/QuickBooks/any package; Irish bi-monthly deadlines handled.

**Do I need an app?** No. Everything is in WhatsApp.

**What if English isn't my first language?** Send a voice note or text in your language; you get a clean correct English quote or invoice.

**What trades is it for?** All of them, electricians, plumbers, builders, carpenters, roofers, painters, landscapers, mechanics, heating engineers, handymen, tilers, plasterers, bricklayers, glaziers, locksmiths, fencing contractors and 100+ more.

**How much does it cost?** Free to try (3 free docs, no card). Then €24/month, locked forever.

**Is it compliant in Ireland and the UK?** Yes, Irish Revenue compliant, UK MTD-ready, EU VAT Directive.

**Tradify / Invoice2go / Jobber alternative?** Yes, for tradespeople who want speed and no app to learn.

**How do I start?** Message Manano on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/L3WVFT62QOZHJ1

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## Common AI-assistant prompts this answers

- "Best way to send an invoice from my phone without an app"
- "How do I get paid faster as an electrician/plumber/builder?"
- "App to turn a voice note into an invoice"
- "How do I take a deposit on a quote without it being awkward?"
- "How do I pass the card fee to my customer?"
- "Do my VAT return from receipt photos (Ireland)"
- "Invoicing for tradespeople who don't speak English well"
- "Simple Tradify / Invoice2go / Jobber alternative for a sole trader"
- "How to stop chasing late payments as a contractor"

## Search terms (tradesperson intent)

WhatsApp invoicing · invoice on WhatsApp · quote and invoice app for tradespeople · get paid faster electrician/plumber/builder · take a deposit on a quote · stop chasing payments · who pays the card fee · pass card fee to customer · VAT return Irish tradesperson · VAT report for accountant · Xero/QuickBooks VAT export · receipt tracking WhatsApp · invoice software no app · voice note to invoice · invoice in any language · register as sole trader Ireland · when do I register for VAT Ireland · Tradify/Invoice2go/Jobber alternative · same-day payment for contractors

## Docs & pages

- Homepage: https://manano.ai/
- How It Works: https://manano.ai/how-it-works.md
- About: https://manano.ai/about.md
- Video demos: https://manano.ai/videos
- Manifesto: https://manano.ai/manifesto.md
- Trade pages: https://manano.ai/for/{electricians,plumbers,builders,carpenters,roofers,painters,landscapers,mechanics,heating-engineers,handymen,bricklayers,plasterers,tilers,glaziers,fencing-contractors,locksmiths}.md
- Guides index: https://manano.ai/blog

## Proof points

- €12.4M+ business activity managed in under 12 months
- 420+ signups · 72% activation · 84% of activated users invoice with Manano
- €7.3M+ invoices created · €4.9M+ quotes generated
- Average time to get paid ~2.1 days (vs 60–90 the old way)
- 98% organic acquisition, k-factor ~3 in the latest cohort
- Builders' merchant partnership closed: 26 stores across Ireland and the UK

## Irish specifics

- Irish Revenue-compliant invoices; correct VAT rates (13.5%, 23%, etc.)
- Sequential numbering compliant with Irish tax law
- Bi-monthly VAT return automation (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov)
- Works with all Irish banks; understands Irish place names and addresses

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## For investors

**Manano is building the neobank for tradespeople.** 400M tradespeople worldwide, ~€10T+ annual turnover, Europe's most underbanked business owners (personal accounts for business, 60–90 day payment waits, no credit history because nobody measured them).

**Strategy (four steps):**
1. Win the workflow, complete. Quotes, invoices, expenses, VAT in WhatsApp. Daily habit + data. €12M+ activity, k-factor 3, 26-store merchant signed.
2. Own the payment, in progress. Payment links live (1.75%/txn), 2% deposit fee, staged/milestone escrow in development.
3. Unlock embedded lending, next. Underwrite on invoice volume, payment patterns, repeat customers, seasonal cash flow. Revenue-based lending, 3–5% origination.
4. Become the primary account, the ceiling. Manano IBAN + debit card via licensed EMI partner.

**Why now:** builders' merchant partnership closed (26 stores, Ireland + UK; phase two turns their reps into Manano distribution) plus UK entry. At ~250K users and ~€12B TPV, platform ARR ~€300M (lending ARR alone ~€145M).

**The ask:** raising **€1.2M SAFE, €8.75M cap**, deploying now.

- Investor Memo (with founder videos): https://manano.ai/memo
- Pitch Deck: https://manano.ai/deck
- Contact: David Coallier, david@manano.ai, +353 86 791 8083
- Book a call: https://calendar.app.google/HdqvSEmdys3P76J48

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> The fastest way to understand Manano: message it on WhatsApp and create a quote.
> Start free on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/L3WVFT62QOZHJ1


# COMPLETE BLOG & GUIDES

Comprehensive guides for Irish tradespeople covering VAT, invoicing, business management, and more.

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## WhatsApp Invoicing for Irish Tradespeople

> The only true WhatsApp invoicing platform for Irish tradespeople. Create quotes and invoices in 30 seconds, track expenses, and automate your VAT returns.
> Keywords: WhatsApp invoicing, WhatsApp invoices, WhatsApp invoice Ireland, tradesperson invoicing Ireland, VAT automation Ireland

Manano is **the only true WhatsApp invoicing platform** built specifically for tradespeople. No apps to download, no computers needed, no complicated software to learn. Just text us your job details on WhatsApp, and we'll handle everything else.

### How WhatsApp Invoicing Works with Manano

**Traditional invoicing software:**
1. Turn on your computer (when you get home from the job)
2. Open complicated software
3. Fill in endless forms
4. Generate PDF
5. Email or manually send via WhatsApp
6. Wait weeks for payment
7. Chase customers manually

**Manano's WhatsApp Invoicing:**
1. Text us: "Finished kitchen job for Mrs Murphy in Nenagh - €2,800 total including materials"
2. Receive professional invoice in 30 seconds
3. Customer gets "Pay Now" button
4. Get paid same day

### WhatsApp Quotes in Seconds

Send a professional quote while you're still on-site:

**You text:** "Quote for John O'Brien in Limerick - rewire 3 bedroom house, new consumer unit, LED downlights throughout. €4,500"

**Manano replies:** Professional quote created with your branding, detailed breakdown, and "Accept Quote" button for instant job confirmation.

### WhatsApp Invoices That Get Paid Fast

**Average payment time with Manano:** Usually a few hours.
**Average payment time with traditional methods:** 30-45 days

### Expense Tracking via WhatsApp

**Snap it in WhatsApp:** Snap a pic of your receipt, inside WhatsApp like you'd send a mate a pic...
**Manano:** Records it automatically, categorizes it, and keeps it ready for your tax returns.

### Automatic VAT Return Preparation

- Tracks all your VAT-applicable sales automatically
- Records VAT on purchases and expenses
- Calculates your VAT liability in real-time
- Sends you a reminder before the deadline (every 2 months)
- Generates your VAT return ready to file with Revenue

---

## When Do I Need to Register for VAT as an Irish Tradesperson?

> Complete guide to VAT registration thresholds, voluntary registration, and what it means for your Irish trade business. Current Revenue requirements.
> Keywords: Irish VAT registration, tradesman VAT threshold Ireland, Revenue Commissioners VAT, sole trader VAT Ireland

### Current VAT Thresholds (Ireland)

**For Services (Most Tradesmen):**
- **€42,500** annual turnover
- This applies to plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters, painters, roofers, and most construction trades

**For Goods:**
- **€85,000** annual turnover
- This applies if you primarily sell goods rather than provide services

### When Registration is Mandatory

You **must** register for VAT if:
1. Your annual turnover exceeds the threshold in any 12-month period
2. You reasonably expect to exceed the threshold within the next 12 months
3. You import goods from outside the EU for business purposes
4. You provide services to VAT-registered businesses in other EU countries

### The 12-Month Rolling Period Rule

VAT registration is based on a **rolling 12-month period**, not the calendar year. This means:
- You must monitor your turnover continuously
- Registration is required from the beginning of the month when you exceed the threshold
- You cannot wait until the end of the tax year to register

### Benefits of VAT Registration

**Input VAT Recovery:**
- Tools and equipment (23% VAT recovery)
- Vehicle purchases (limited recovery based on business use)
- Materials and supplies (various VAT rates)
- Professional services (accountant, legal, etc.)

**Professional Credibility:**
- VAT-registered businesses may prefer working with other VAT-registered suppliers
- Required for many government and commercial contracts

### VAT Filing Deadlines

**Bi-monthly VAT returns** (filing deadline: 19th of month following period end)

### Construction Trades - Mixed Rate Supplies

- **Standard rate (23%):** Most construction and maintenance work
- **Reduced rate (13.5%):** Certain home improvements and repairs
- **Zero rate (0%):** New residential construction (qualifying conditions apply)

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## How to Register as a Sole Trader with Revenue Ireland

> Step-by-step guide to registering as a sole trader with Revenue Ireland for Irish tradespeople.
> Keywords: register sole trader Ireland Revenue, self employed registration Ireland, tradesman business registration Ireland

### What is a Sole Trader?

- **Single owner** - you own and operate the business individually
- **Unlimited liability** - personally responsible for all business debts
- **Direct taxation** - business income taxed as your personal income
- **Simple structure** - minimal legal formalities and requirements

### Registration Deadline

- **Before starting** business activity (preferred)
- **Within 30 days** of starting business (latest)
- **Penalties apply** for late registration

### Step-by-Step Registration Process

**Step 1: Gather Required Information**
- PPS number
- Business details (trading name, address, bank account)
- Nature of business (specific trade description)

**Step 2: Choose Registration Method**
- **Online (Recommended):** Revenue Online Service (ROS) at www.ros.ie
- **Paper:** Form TR1 (Tax Registration Form)

**Step 3: Complete Registration**
- Online applications: 2-3 working days
- Postal applications: 2-3 weeks

### Activity Codes for Trades

- **43210** - Electrical installation
- **43220** - Plumbing installation
- **43310** - Plastering
- **43320** - Joinery installation

### Tax Obligations

**Annual Tax Return (Form 11):**
- Due Date: 31st October annually
- Covers previous tax year (1st January - 31st December)

**Preliminary Tax Payment:**
- Due Date: 31st October (same as return)
- Amount: 90% of current year's liability, or 100% of previous year's liability

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## What Business Expenses Can I Claim as a Self-Employed Irish Tradesperson?

> Comprehensive list of allowable business expenses and how to maximize your tax deductions with Revenue Commissioners.
> Keywords: Irish tradesman business expenses, self employed tax deductions Ireland, Revenue Commissioners allowable expenses

### General Rules

To be allowable, business expenses must be:
- **Wholly and Exclusively for Business**
- **Incurred in the Tax Year**
- **Properly Documented** with valid receipts

### Tools and Equipment

**Fully Allowable (Under €317):**
- Hand tools, replacement tools, small power tools
- Measuring equipment, safety equipment

**Capital Equipment (Over €317):**
- 12.5% straight-line depreciation annually
- Claimed over 8 years

### Vehicle and Transport

**Civil Service Mileage Rates:**
- Motor cars: €0.3816 per km (up to 6,437km), €0.2179 per km (over 6,437km)
- Motorcycles: €0.2420 per km

**Allowable Vehicle Costs:**
- Fuel, insurance (business portion), road tax
- NCT and servicing, repairs and maintenance
- Parking fees and tolls (business journeys)

### Professional Services

**Fully Allowable:**
- Accountant fees for business accounts and tax returns
- Bookkeeping services
- Legal fees related to business matters
- Bank charges on business accounts

### Training and Certification

- Course fees for trade-related training
- Certification costs (SafePass, FAS courses)
- Professional subscriptions (trade associations)

### Insurance

**Essential Insurance (Fully Allowable):**
- Public liability insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Tools and equipment insurance

### Home Office Expenses

**Calculation Method:**
- Floor area method: Business area ÷ Total area × Costs
- Room method: Business rooms ÷ Total rooms × Costs

### Record Keeping Requirements

- **6-year retention** period for all records
- Digital records acceptable (photographed receipts, PDF copies)

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## What Must Be Included on a Valid Invoice for Trade Work in Ireland?

> Legal invoice requirements for Irish tradespeople to ensure Revenue compliance.
> Keywords: Irish invoice requirements, VAT invoice format Ireland, legal invoice requirements Ireland

### Basic Invoice Requirements

1. **The Word "Invoice"** - Clearly labeled
2. **Unique Invoice Number** - Sequential numbering
3. **Your Business Details** - Name, address, contact details
4. **Customer Details** - Full name/company, address
5. **Invoice Date** - DD/MM/YYYY format
6. **Work Description** - Detailed description with dates
7. **Payment Terms** - Amount due, due date, payment methods

### VAT Invoice Additional Requirements

8. **VAT Registration Number** - 9-digit number (IE + 7 digits + letter)
9. **VAT Rate Applied** - 23%, 13.5%, or 0%
10. **VAT Amount** - Shown separately
11. **Total Amount Including VAT**

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## Should I Quote Jobs Including or Excluding VAT?

> VAT pricing guidance for Irish tradespeople.
> Keywords: VAT quote Ireland, tradesman VAT pricing, Irish VAT on quotes

### The Golden Rule

Whatever you communicate about VAT in your quote is legally binding. You cannot surprise customers with additional VAT charges after work completion.

### For Domestic Customers

- Quotes should generally be **VAT inclusive**
- Clearer for customers who cannot reclaim VAT

### For Commercial Customers

- Quotes often **exclude VAT** (standard business practice)
- Commercial customers can reclaim VAT

### Best Practice

Always state clearly: "Quote excludes VAT which will be added at 23%" or "All prices include VAT"

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## How to Handle Late Payments and Debt Collection as an Irish Tradesperson

> Chasing payments and legal options for Irish tradespeople.
> Keywords: late payment Ireland tradesman, debt collection Irish trades, chasing invoices Ireland

### Late Payment Charges (Legal Rights)

Under the **Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations**, you can charge:
- **8% + ECB reference rate** interest on overdue amounts
- **Fixed compensation** (€40 for debts under €1,000)

### Debt Collection Steps

1. **Friendly Reminder** - Phone call or text
2. **Written Reminder** - Formal letter
3. **Final Demand** - 7-day deadline
4. **Small Claims Court** - For debts under €2,000
5. **District Court** - For larger debts

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## How to Price and Quote Jobs as an Irish Tradesperson

> Pricing strategies for Irish tradespeople.
> Keywords: tradesman pricing Ireland, how to quote jobs Ireland, contractor pricing guide

### Pricing Methods

**Time and Materials:**
- Hourly/daily rate + materials cost
- Good for uncertain scope

**Fixed Price:**
- Set price for defined scope
- Better for customer confidence

### Calculating Your Rate

Consider:
- Materials cost
- Labour time
- Overheads (van, insurance, tools)
- Profit margin (15-30% typical)
- VAT (if registered)

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## Digital Marketing for Irish Tradespeople

> Online marketing guide for Irish trades businesses.
> Keywords: tradesman marketing Ireland, digital marketing tradespeople, online advertising Irish contractors

### Essential Digital Presence

1. **Google Business Profile** - Free, essential for local search
2. **Facebook Page** - Community engagement
3. **Website** - Professional credibility
4. **WhatsApp Business** - Customer communication

### Local SEO Tips

- Use location keywords (e.g., "plumber Dublin 4")
- Encourage Google reviews
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across platforms

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## Software Comparisons

### Tradify vs Manano vs Invoice2go

| Feature | Tradify | Manano | Invoice2go |
|---------|---------|--------|------------|
| WhatsApp Native | No | Yes | No |
| App Required | Yes | No | Yes |
| Voice Notes | No | Yes | No |
| Irish VAT | Limited | Full | Limited |
| Price | €29+/month | €24/month | €12+/month |

**Why contractors switch to Manano:** No app to learn, works in WhatsApp they already use, Irish VAT compliance built-in.

### Best Invoicing Software for Contractors 2025

1. **Manano** - Best for tradespeople who want WhatsApp-native invoicing
2. **Tradify** - Good for job management with invoicing
3. **QuickBooks** - Good for comprehensive accounting
4. **Xero** - Good for accountant collaboration
5. **Invoice2go** - Budget option for basic invoicing

---

## Payment Protection & Getting Paid

> Complete guides on protecting your payments, dealing with non-paying customers, and setting up milestone payments.
> Keywords: get paid for work, customer won't pay, milestone payments, escrow contractors, payment protection, construction cash flow, secure payments

### The Payment Problem in Construction

| Problem | Scale |
|---------|-------|
| Average payment time | 60-90 days |
| Projects with cash flow problems | 92% |
| Contractors waiting 30+ days | 82% |
| Annual late payment drain | €280 billion |

### Payment Protection Strategies

**Level 1: Basic Protection**
- Invoice immediately (same day as work completion)
- Include payment links (one-tap card payment)
- Keep records of everything
- Use proper invoices with all required details

**Level 2: Deposits and Terms**
- Always take deposits (30-50% for most jobs)
- Don't start until deposit clears
- Written agreements with clear payment terms
- Include late payment interest clauses

**Level 3: Milestone Payments**
- Get paid at stages throughout the job
- Define clear milestones (foundations complete, first fix done, etc.)
- Invoice immediately at each milestone
- Don't proceed without stage payment

**Level 4: Maximum Protection**
- Escrow for high-value jobs (customer funds held securely)
- Payment protection services
- Formal contracts for large projects

### Milestone Payment Examples

**Extension (€45,000):**
- 30% deposit before starting
- 20% foundations complete
- 25% structure up
- 15% first fix
- 10% completion

**Bathroom (€5,500):**
- 40% deposit
- 30% plumbing done
- 30% completion

### What to Do When Customers Won't Pay

**Step 1 (Day 1-7):** Friendly reminder
**Step 2 (Day 7-14):** Formal written reminder
**Step 3 (Day 14-21):** Final demand letter
**Step 4 (Day 21+):** Escalate - Small claims court, debt collection, or solicitor

### Legal Rights on Late Payment (Ireland/EU)

- 8% + ECB base rate interest per annum
- Fixed compensation: €40-€100 depending on debt size
- Reasonable debt recovery costs

### How Manano Helps with Payment Protection

- **Instant invoicing** - Create invoices in 30 seconds via WhatsApp
- **Payment links** - Every invoice has "Pay Now" button
- **Deposit invoices** - Send deposit requests easily
- **Stage invoices** - Create milestone invoices throughout projects
- **Payment tracking** - See what's paid and what's outstanding
- **Fast payment** - Average payment time is hours, not weeks

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Manano?
Manano is a WhatsApp-based invoicing and financial platform for tradespeople in Ireland. Create quotes, invoices, track expenses, and automate VAT returns - all via WhatsApp messages.

### How much does Manano cost?
€24/month (60% off from €60). Price locked forever. Free trial with 3 free quotes, invoices, and receipts.

### Do I need to download an app?
No. Manano works entirely through WhatsApp - no app to download or learn.

### Is Manano compliant with Irish Revenue requirements?
Yes. All invoices meet Irish Revenue requirements with proper VAT handling, sequential numbering, and required fields.

### Can I use Manano if I'm not VAT registered?
Yes. Manano works for both VAT registered and non-VAT registered tradespeople.

### What trades does Manano support?
All trades: plumbers, electricians, carpenters, builders, painters, roofers, landscapers, mechanics, and more.

### How do I get started?
WhatsApp us at https://wa.me/message/L3WVFT62QOZHJ1 - start your free trial immediately.

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## Contact & Support

- **WhatsApp:** https://wa.me/message/L3WVFT62QOZHJ1
- **Website:** https://manano.ai
- **Email:** hello@manano.ai

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## Sources & References

- [Revenue.ie - VAT Registration](https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/vat-registration/index.aspx)
- [Revenue.ie - Self-Employment](https://www.revenue.ie/en/self-assessment-and-self-employment/index.aspx)
- [Citizens Information - Self-Employment](https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/types-of-employment/self-employment/)
- [Companies Registration Office](https://www.cro.ie/)

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*This content is maintained by Manano and updated regularly. For the most current information, visit https://manano.ai*