Ireland VAT Refund: How Tourists Can Get Tax Back

It's a sad fact; at one point or another, your magical vacation in Ireland will come to an end.  As you’re packing your bags and making room for those sweaters, whiskey bottles, and wool throws, don’t forget one final task before heading to the airport: organizing your VAT refund paperwork. CLICK HERE to add this article to your Ireland vacation board on Pinterest. What is the VAT? VAT stands for Value Added Tax. If you’re from the United States, the easiest comparison is sales tax – with one important difference. In Ireland, VAT is already included in the price you see. It’s not added at checkout. The price on the tag is the price you pay. VAT rates range from 9% to 25% and apply to most goods and services. There are a few notable exceptions, including food, children’s clothing, medical services, and purchases from nonprofit organizations. If you live outside the European Union, you may qualify for a VAT refund on eligible purchases. To do so, you must: Spend at least €75 per receipt Request VAT refund paperwork at the time of purchase Submit your forms before leaving Ireland And one more important detail: all goods must leave Ireland within three months of purchase (the length of a tourist visa). VAT and Republic of Ireland Shopping Tips While VAT is added to most goods purchased in Ireland, you will not receive a refund on every item you buy. Hotel stays, car rental, and restaurant meals are a few of the purchases you will make that do not offer a VAT refund. Most stores will recognize you as a tourist, but it is always helpful to request your VAT upon check out.  Ireland VAT has 3 refund systems; the first two listed are the ones I encounter most often. Read More: Best Ireland Souvenirs for Everyone You Know Planet VAT Refunds Most shops in Ireland that offer VAT refunds use Planet to process them. If the store participates, the process is simple: At checkout, ask for VAT refund paperwork. The clerk will prepare a form that shows: What you purchased The amount of VAT paid The store’s details You’ll provide your passport information and sign the form. Keep this paperwork safe – you’ll need it at the airport. Before leaving Ireland, you must validate your refund. This is done at the airport using Planet kiosks, drop boxes, or staffed counters. After validation, your refund is processed back to your credit card (minus processing fees). A few important things to remember: Your purchase must total at least €75 per receipt. You must request the paperwork at the time of purchase. You may be asked to present your purchases during the validation process, so keep higher-value items accessible – just in case. Allow extra time at the airport to complete the process. That’s it. No special cards. No advance registration. Just ask at the till and keep your forms organized. Tip: If you have multiple Planet receipts for the same traveler (or family), they can be placed into a single envelope. If receipts are for different people, use separate envelopes. Global Blue VAT Refunds Some shops may use Global Blue instead of Planet to process VAT refunds. It’s less common, but you could encounter it – especially in larger retail stores. The process is similar: At checkout, request VAT refund paperwork. The clerk will prepare a detailed form showing: What you purchased The amount of VAT paid The store’s information You’ll provide passport details and sign the form. Keep the paperwork safe – you’ll need it when departing Ireland. Before leaving, validate your paperwork at the airport according to the instructions provided. Once processed, your refund can be issued to your credit card or, in some cases, as cash (fees and exchange rates apply). Tip: Global Blue offers a mobile app that allows you to track refunds and view participating retailers. In-Store VAT Refunds Some retailers, often larger shops, offer an in-store VAT refund option. In this case, the VAT is removed or processed at the time of purchase, rather than being handled at the airport. Here’s how it typically works: If paying by credit card, the VAT may be refunded directly back to that card after the transaction is processed. If paying in cash, you may pay the full amount and receive the VAT refund later by check or card credit (processing times vary). If you choose to have your purchases shipped home from the store, the VAT is usually handled at the point of sale and does not require airport validation. You’ll still receive detailed documentation of the transaction – keep it for your records – but you typically do not need to complete additional paperwork at the airport. Turning in Your VAT Refund at the Airport You will find the VAT refund locations just past security and before the customs office at both Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport. Do be sure to figure in time at the airport to visit the VAT desks.  While it is often a quick process, queues can form and cause a wait. Dublin Airport Arrival & Departure TipsShannon Airport Arrival & Departure Tips Not flying home from Ireland? Here's how you can still collect your VAT refund. Shopping in Northern Ireland: No VAT Refund Purchases made in Northern Ireland follow UK tax rules. The UK ended its VAT Retail Export Scheme on January 1, 2021. This means VAT refunds are no longer available for goods carried home in your luggage, so most in-store purchases there are not eligible for refund. A Final Money-Saving Tip: Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion When using a credit or debit card in Ireland, always choose to pay in the local currency. Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) allows you to pay in your home currency, but it almost always results in a worse exchange rate. In the Republic of Ireland, pay in euros.In Northern Ireland, pay in pounds. Your bank or credit card provider will typically offer a better exchange rate than the one built into Dynamic Currency Conversion. When the payment terminal asks, choose the local currency – even if the screen tries to make the home-currency option look convenient. More information on tax-free purchases for non-EU travelers The post Ireland VAT Refund: How Tourists Can Get Tax Back appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.