Calculate VAT in Ireland: types, examples and how it works

• Standard VAT of 23%

• Reduced VAT of 13.5%, 9%

• Special VAT of 4.8%, 4.5%

Value Added Tax or VAT is a tax applied to the sale of goods or services. VAT is collected throughout the production and distribution chain, ensuring that in the end, it is the consumers who pay it.

To determine the VAT, you need to consider the selling price of the product or service offered, and also a specific percentage to obtain the final cost of the VAT. The percentage to be charged varies depending on the product or service in question, as well as the social demands of the countries involved.

Standard rates are usually imposed on the purchase of general goods and services, while reduced rates usually correspond to essential products or food. For example, a smartphone might have an VAT of 23%, which would be the standard VAT; but certain selected products could have one of 13.5%, 9%, which would be a reduced VAT.

Calculating VAT is a simple and fast operation that can be done in a few seconds. But not everyone knows how to add and subtract percentages for this. The mistakes made when calculating VAT are always the same, although they are easy to avoid with the proper formulas.

It is essential to clarify certain points to avoid avoidable mistakes when calculating the total amount of a bill. These are the facts to know to calculate VAT accurately and simply.