What VAT is
VAT stands for Value-Added Tax. It is a tax on goods and services. A VAT-registered business charges VAT to customers on taxable sales and pays the VAT collected to Revenue after deducting VAT it can reclaim on business purchases.
For sole traders, VAT registration does not change how your income tax is calculated. It changes how you invoice, price, record purchases, and file VAT returns.
Source: Revenue.ie - what is VAT?
VAT thresholds in 2026
You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover goes over the relevant threshold. The threshold depends on what you sell.
| Business type | VAT threshold |
|---|---|
| Services | €42,500 |
| Goods | €85,000 |
| Mail-order or distance sales into Ireland | €10,000 EU-wide threshold rules may apply |
Source: Revenue.ie - VAT thresholds
What changes when you register?
| Before VAT registration | After VAT registration |
|---|---|
| You usually invoice without VAT. | You charge VAT on taxable sales at the correct rate. |
| You cannot usually reclaim VAT on purchases. | You can usually reclaim VAT on eligible business purchases. |
| No VAT returns are due. | You file VAT returns and pay Revenue the net VAT due. |
The standard VAT rate in Ireland is 23%, but reduced rates and exemptions can apply depending on what you sell. Do not assume your service is standard-rated without checking.
Simple VAT example
You invoice a business client €1,000 plus VAT at 23%. The customer pays €1,230. The extra €230 is VAT you collected for Revenue, not extra profit.
If you also paid €46 VAT on eligible business software in the same period, your VAT return may offset that purchase VAT against the VAT you collected.
| VAT calculation | Amount |
|---|---|
| VAT collected on sale | €230 |
| Less VAT reclaimable on purchase | €46 |
| Net VAT payable | €184 |
How to register for VAT
Sole traders can register for VAT through Revenue's online services where eligible. If online registration is not available, Revenue uses registration forms such as TR1 for individuals. You should register before you exceed the threshold, not months afterwards.
Voluntary registration can be possible before you hit a threshold, but it can add admin and affect pricing for non-business customers. It is worth getting advice before registering voluntarily.