Ireland VAT Refund | VAT 3 Return & Eligibility

The stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Ireland attract many, but, apart from being mesmerized by its beauty, it offers VAT refunds to international travelers. Ireland VAT refund benefits tourists from non-European Union countries so they can reclaim the VAT they paid on goods during their stay in Ireland.

The standard VAT rate in Ireland is 23%, you can reclaim this anytime and save up a significant amount of your hard-earned money. However, for Ireland’s VAT refund, one should understand the VAT refund process, how much VAT is refunded, and its eligibility criteria. Continue reading, if you want Ireland VAT refund and enhance your shopping experience in Ireland.

Are you planning a short trip to Ireland but hesitant to go because of its high VAT rate? The good thing is you can get a VAT refund and won’t lose all of your money due to Ireland’s high VAT rate.

VAT in Ireland varies in rate depending on the item category. It has the following categories; standard rate, reduced rate, second reduced rate, and zero percent rate. Every shopper will pay the VAT on each purchase.

How to Get an Ireland VAT Refund?

The VAT Refund Ireland is also known as the Retail Export Scheme. The VAT refund procedure is pretty simple, but you will need the help of a retailer or VAT refund agent. Here’s how you can get the paid VAT back when shopping or traveling to Ireland.

Before you shop, confirm whether your retailer offers a VAT refund. If they do, you need to get an export voucher from them and provide them with evidence of your residence, your travel dates, and a document declaring you are a tourist or traveler. If you are getting the VAT refund via an agent, they will provide you with a card that you can swipe for every purchase.

Do You Know? VAT Threshold Ireland & Registration for VAT in Ireland

On shopping below €2,000, you need to place your export vouchers in the Departure Terminal’s Customs drop-box or your agent will send them to customs. A customs official will stamp your voucher and convert it to an export certification. You will then return this voucher to your retailer so they can start an Ireland VAT refund.

You will need certification for each shopping valued €2,000 or more. For certification you will need the following documents:

Export vouchers or vouchers
Sales-related documentation provided by your retailer or VAT refund agent.

Even if you send documentation to the customs you may end up receiving an unstamped document if customs officers find your documents suspectful. Moreover, customs officials have full authority to check your goods before stamping. So, make sure your goods are accessible to them to get your certification smoothly.

Once all the paperwork is done, the retailer or VAT refund agent will refund the VAT amount to you within 25 days of receiving certification of export.

How Much VAT is Refunded?

Although Ireland offers VAT refunds Ireland to tourists, they won’t get a full VAT refund. Nevertheless, you will get a significant amount back.

To get the VAT refund you can follow the procedure we mentioned above. On my trip to Ireland, I got my VAT refund via an intermediary VAT refund agent.

You don’t need to do anything, the VAT refund agent will take care of everything. They take a commission from your VAT refund, so there is no chance you will get the full VAT refund in Ireland. Moreover, you will also pay for administrative fees, the VAT refund process, and fulfill minimum purchase requirements to get an Ireland VAT refund.

Do You Know? VAT Reverse Charge in Ireland

Eligibility for VAT Refund Ireland

The VAT 3 return is the VAT amount payable or reclaimable by you. However, not everyone is eligible for an Ireland VAT refund. You are eligible if you fulfill the following conditions:

You must not be a resident of the EU.
The goods you purchased must have a value of €75 or more on the export voucher.
You must export the goods within three months of purchase.
Moreover, you must submit supply documentary proof showing that the goods have been exported.

Mind that, you won’t get a VAT refund in Ireland on every purchase. There are a few services that are exempt from Ireland’s VAT refund. These include services like accommodation, restaurant meals, car rentals, fuelling, etc.

How much is a VAT refund in Ireland?

The standard rate of VAT in Ireland is 23% that you pay on purchasing goods and services. Through the VAT refund policy, you can claim the paid tax back if you fulfill the eligibility conditions. However, you won’t get the full VAT payment back.

How to get VAT back in Ireland?

To reclaim VAT you must fulfill the conditions and claim it through VAT 3 return. You won’t get VAT back on services and non-business activities.

Ireland VAT return is a convenient system through which international travelers can save plenty on their purchases. However, to get the VAT back, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria and VAT refund process. Take help from this guide and make your Ireland trip affordable and enjoyable by fully understanding the Ireland VAT refund system.