Source: https://rivet.global/blog/ireland-vat-number-and-rates
Published: 2026-08-20 · Updated: 2026-08-20 · By Alexia M.

# Ireland VAT: rates, the VAT number format and registration thresholds

Irish VAT in 2026: the 23% standard rate and reduced rates, the IE VAT number format, registration thresholds for services and goods, and checking EU customers.

## Key takeaways

- Ireland's standard VAT rate is 23%, with reduced rates of 13.5% and 9% for specified goods and services.
- Irish VAT numbers are IE followed by seven digits and one or two letters.
- Registration is required once turnover passes the threshold, which is lower for services than for goods; check Revenue's current figures.
- EU B2B services are invoiced under the reverse charge with both VAT numbers.

"Ireland VAT rate" and "ireland vat number" lead Google's suggestions after "Ireland VAT". For companies selling services across borders, the rate matters less than how the number is used.

## Rates

| Rate | Examples |
|---|---|
| 23% | Most goods and services |
| 13.5% | Certain services and fuel |
| 9% | Specified supplies such as newspapers and some hospitality |
| 0% | Exports and certain items |

Use Revenue's VAT rates database for a specific item.

## The VAT number

IE, seven digits and one or two letters. It appears on invoices and in the VIES system.

## Registration

Companies register once turnover passes the threshold for their supplies. The threshold for services is lower than for goods. Companies receiving B2B services from abroad may need to register regardless of turnover to account for the reverse charge.

## Selling to EU businesses

A Galway agency invoicing a Spanish company shows its IE number, the customer's ES number, no Irish VAT, and a note that the reverse charge applies. It reports the sale in its VIES return.

## Paying into Ireland: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | SEPA Instant Credit Transfer |
| Run by | European Payments Council scheme, run by each bank |
| Settlement | Under ten seconds, 24/7 |
| Published fee | By the EU Instant Payments Regulation, no more than the bank charges for a standard SEPA transfer |

Source: [European Payments Council: SEPA Instant Credit Transfer](https://www.europeanpaymentscouncil.eu/what-we-do/sepa-instant-credit-transfer). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet gives Irish companies EUR details with an IBAN on Growth, plus GBP and USD details, so customers in and outside the EU pay locally. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See [EU VAT OSS for non-EU sellers](/blog/eu-vat-oss-for-non-eu-sellers).

## Questions

### What is the VAT rate in Ireland in 2026?

23% standard, with reduced rates of 13.5% and 9% for specified supplies. Check Revenue's rates database for a specific item.

### What does an Irish VAT number look like?

IE, then seven digits and one or two letters, for example IE1234567FA.

### When must an Irish company register for VAT?

When turnover exceeds the threshold for its type of supply, or earlier for EU B2B services received from abroad. Revenue publishes the current thresholds.

### How do I check a customer's VAT number?

On VIES for EU customers. Save the result.