Tax-free purchases for non-EU travellers
Information
Retail Export Scheme
Visitors to Ireland from outside the European Union (EU) can buy goods in Ireland to take home with them and benefit from tax relief. Tax relief is not allowed on services, for example, hotel accommodation, meals or car hire.
The Retail Export Scheme operates in two ways.
- The tourist pays Value-Added Tax (VAT) when making purchases and subsequently gets a refund from the relevant retailer or refund agency. If the retailer charges VAT to the tourist, he or she will subsequently refund it to the tourist when he or she receives documentary proof that the good or goods have been exported.
- In certain retail outlets, the goods are sold tax-free at the point of sale with or without the involvement of a refund agency. The goods must be paid for by credit card. If the goods are sold tax-free without the involvement of a refund agency, the retailer must then rely on the tourist to send back documentary proof of export (the invoice stamped by Customs), otherwise, the retailer will be liable to VAT on the sale in question. If the goods are sold tax-free with the involvement of a refund agency, the tourist fills out a refund voucher, gets the voucher stamped by Customs and returns it to the refund agency. If the invoice or voucher is not returned by the tourist, the retailer or refund agency charges the VAT on the goods bought to the tourist's credit card account.
Tax relief on purchases effectively means a reduction of 17.36% on the normal sale price of goods.
Tax relief for EU residents
Tax relief can also be given to EU residents who can provide evidence that they are going to live outside the EU for a period of at least one year.
Goods that have been exported directly by retailers
In addition to the Retail Export Scheme, retailers can also send directly to the tourist's home (outside the EU only) goods ordered or purchased by them. Where this takes place, no tax is payable by the tourist.
Rules
Conditions attached to tax relief
- The goods must be exported out of the EU within three months from the end of the month in which they are bought. For example, goods bought during the month of January must be exported by 30th April.
- The tourist must supply documentary proof that the goods have been exported.
Documentary proof
Usually, proof of export is the purchase invoice stamped by Customs at the last point of departure from the EU. For example, you buy goods in Ireland and then travel to Great Britain before you leave the EU, you must have the relevant invoices stamped by British Customs authorities. Irish Customs authorities will only stamp invoices for you if you are leaving the EU directly from Ireland.
If you are unable to have the invoice stamped by the relevant Customs authorities at the point of departure or have not used the services of a VAT-refunding agency, you can still have the documentation stamped in your own country by a person of official status (for example, by Customs or the police) before returning it to the retailer in Ireland.
VAT-refunding agencies
Many retailers operate the refund scheme using VAT-refunding agencies that arrange for the tourist or visitor to benefit from the tax concession. VAT-refunding agencies operate independently of the tax authorities:
There are three variations in how these agencies operate:
- The goods are sold tax-free at the point of sale, you fill out a refund voucher, get the voucher stamped by Customs and return it to the refund agency. You will subsequently be obliged to pay the tax due by credit card transaction, if the refund voucher is not handed in at the airport or subsequently returned to the agency.
- tax is paid at the point of sale and subsequently refunded to you at the airport when you are leaving
- tax is paid at the point of sale and subsequently refunded by the agency to the you, either by post or by credit card transfer.
Individual invoices for purchases of up to 635 euro may be lodged directly with the agency refund booths at Dublin and Shannon airports without a Customs stamp. Invoices for purchases over 635 euro must always be presented by you to Customs for stamping. In the event that the agency refund booths are closed, a Customs stamp will always be required.
It is important for you to retain your own copy of the invoice received from the retailer for future reference. If you are mailing an invoice back for refund, it is advisable to keep a photocopy.
If you do not receive your refund
The retailer or agency is obliged to make the refund within five weeks at the latest after receiving of your invoice. If a refund is not received, you should contact the retailer or agency concerned.
If you are having difficulty getting your refund, you can contact the Revenue Commissioners, VAT Interpretation Branch, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 (see where to apply). It should be noted, however, that the Revenue Commissioners do not administer the Retail Export Scheme OR make refunds directly to tourists under the scheme.
Rates
In order to cover administration costs, retailers and VAT-refunding agencies usually charge an administration fee. All retailers and VAT-refunding agencies are obliged to clearly indicate the level of this fee. Similarly, agencies making refunds in foreign currency are obliged to indicate the exchange rate used.
How to apply
If you are having difficulty obtaining your refund, you can contact the Revenue Commissioners, VAT Interpretation Branch, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
Where To Apply
Revenue Commissioners
Indirect Taxes Division
VAT Interpretation Branch
Stamping Building
Dublin Castle
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel:+353 (0)1 6475000
Homepage: http://www.revenue.ie
Language
Related Documents
- Value Added Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the price of most products and services that we use every day. You may also be liable to pay VAT if you buy online. Find out more about VAT and how it is paid. - How to Make a Consumer Complaint
Buying goods or services in Ireland provides certain rights under Irish consumer legislation. Tips on how to complain effectively. - Replacements, refunds and credit notes
If you buy unfit or faulty goods and you complain successfully to the retailer you are entitled to a replacement, a repair or a refund. This document explains what your rights are with regard to refunds.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.