The article first gives a broad overview of the tax system, including the legal forms of enterprise, the income tax in general and on business, social security contributions, capital gains tax, corporation tax, venture capital relief and capital acquisitions tax. The article also considers the political and economic background to business tax reform as well as the current and proposed reforms of the corporate tax regime. After discussing the current international tax issues, the article concludes that the Irish corporate tax regime has been largely shaped by the political imperative of promoting and retaining inward investment and that Ireland's strong focus on inward investment is likely to continue for the indefinite future.