Hello hoping someone knows about VAT and trains. I’ll be leaving Ireland/EU via the train from Dublin to Belfast and can’t seem to find anything about processing VAT at the Connolly train station in Dublin. Everything I find is about the Dublin airport and it appears you have to go through security.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni
2747 posts
Probably can't because there are no border controls btween the north and south.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Ok thank you! That explains why I couldn’t find info. I could go to the Dublin airport but I think you have to go past security correct?
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35856 posts
you need to make the claim in the final moments as you leave the EU. If you go to the airport departure area, make a claim and then leave the airport to go the station and head north through Ireland you are reentering (well you never left) the EU so you won't be at the last point in Ireland.
I think you may have a problem - the Good Friday and Brexit agreements ensure no border controls entering Northern Ireland, and you can't claim in the UK.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
I think the problem is I’m not departing from the airport - am departing from the train- so I can’t even drop it at the airport unless I go through security which i cannot. Does anyone have more insight? So appreciate your help!!
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Oh and I’m heading to Belfast so not part of EU
Posted by
London and Chester
131 posts
No idea if this article helps, I didn’t really understand it, but it might?
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you so much I did see that in my google searches not helpful to my situation which is interesting it can’t be that uncommon. Hoping to hear hear more insights
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5610 posts
Where are you going after Belfast?
Northern Ireland as part of the Brexit arrangements still has EU free movement of goods rules and EU Customs Union rules in force.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23946 posts
What do you think you will be claiming as a VAT refund? Very few items qualify for the refund and only when you are leaving the country for good.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13024 posts
https://www.revenue.ie/en/vat/retail-export-scheme/on-what-purchases-can-you-reclaim-vat.aspx
It is way longer than I cared to read through, but you may find it worthwhile.
Unless you are buying $2k or more of stuff, I wonder if its worth the bother? ( of finding out the if & how to do it)
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you SO much!! I didn’t realize Northern Ireland is still considered part of the same VAT plan that Ireland Republic is. I fly to Edinburgh from Belfast so can just drop it at the Belfast airport. Thank you all so much!!
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5610 posts
I have found varying reports about the success at Belfast airport of refunds on goods bought in the Republic of Ireland so I wouldn't count on it. However, you can definitely get VAT refunded on exports from Northern Ireland there whereas there is none available for goods bought in Great Britain.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you for that insight!
Posted by
OP
19 posts
I just learned from a shop owner there are special envelopes that are addressed to the VAT people in Dublin you can drop in any postal box without any stamps and it will get processed!! It’s for those departing the EU on ferries and trains. Problem solved! Thanks for all your thoughts was confusing since Brexit.