VAT Return Services Ireland
VAT Return Services for Small Businesses in Ireland
VAT return preparation and compliance support for Irish SMEs, sole traders, limited companies and e-commerce businesses.
Stratancy Consulting helps businesses keep VAT records accurate, reconcile VAT balances, prepare VAT3 returns and maintain a reliable connection between VAT, bookkeeping and annual accounts.
VAT Registration
€119
one-off total price
ROS deadline
Usually the 23rd
following the taxable period
Pricing
Total amount shown
No additional VAT added
Who We Help
VAT support for Irish SMEs, sole traders and limited companies
VAT compliance becomes much easier when the bookkeeping is kept current and VAT balances are reconciled throughout the year rather than only when a return becomes due.
VAT-registered sole traders
We help sole traders maintain VAT-ready bookkeeping, prepare VAT returns and keep supporting records organised throughout the year.
Irish limited companies
VAT returns can be coordinated with bookkeeping, payroll, annual accounts and Corporation Tax work so the wider accounting records remain consistent.
Businesses registering for VAT
We can support VAT registration and help establish the bookkeeping and record-keeping process needed once the business becomes VAT registered.
Growing SMEs
As transaction volumes increase, VAT calculations, coding and reconciliations can become more complex and benefit from a structured recurring process.
E-commerce businesses
Online businesses may need additional VAT analysis where sales involve marketplaces, different jurisdictions or cross-border transactions.
Businesses with overdue or unclear VAT records
Where bookkeeping is behind or VAT balances do not reconcile, we can review the underlying records and identify what needs to be corrected.
VAT Compliance Service
What our VAT service can include
VAT work should connect directly to the underlying bookkeeping rather than being treated as a separate calculation at filing time.
VAT3 return preparation
VAT sales, purchases and other relevant transactions are reviewed and used to prepare the periodic VAT return.
VAT reconciliations
VAT balances in the accounting records are reviewed against the return so unexplained differences can be identified.
VAT registration support
We can assist businesses that need to register for VAT through Revenue Online Service.
VAT coding review
Transactions are reviewed for appropriate VAT treatment based on the information available and the nature of the transaction.
Return of Trading Details
Annual RTD information can be prepared from the accounting records where this forms part of the agreed service.
VAT-ready bookkeeping
Keeping the books current during the VAT period reduces the amount of cleanup required when the return is due.
VAT3 Returns
Preparing and filing VAT3 returns in Ireland
The standard VAT taxable period in Ireland is generally two months, although Revenue can authorise different filing frequencies depending on the business and its VAT position.
Revenue states that VAT must generally be filed and paid by the 19th day of the month following the end of the taxable period. For ROS filers, the filing deadline is currently extended to the 23rd day of that month.
Preparing the return from reconciled accounting records helps reduce the risk of differences between the VAT return and the business books.
Typical VAT return cycle
- Keep bookkeeping current
- Review sales and purchases
- Check VAT coding
- Reconcile VAT control accounts
- Prepare the VAT3
- File through ROS where agreed
- Retain supporting records
VAT Registration
VAT registration for Irish businesses
Businesses may need to register for VAT when their taxable turnover exceeds the relevant registration threshold or where particular VAT rules create a registration requirement.
Some businesses below the compulsory threshold may also elect to register for VAT where this is appropriate.
Irish-established businesses normally register online through ROS. Sole traders and individuals generally use TR1 registration information, while companies generally use TR2.
VAT Registration Support
€119
one-off total price
For straightforward Irish VAT registration applications. More complex or non-standard cases may require a separate quote.
VAT Records
Good VAT returns start with accurate records
Revenue requires businesses to keep full and true records of VAT-related business transactions so the accuracy of VAT liabilities and repayments can be verified.
Relevant VAT records generally need to be kept for six years, subject to specific exceptions.
VAT records may include
- Sales invoices
- Purchase invoices
- Credit notes
- Debit notes
- Receipts
- Accounting ledgers
- Bank statements
- Relevant VAT supporting documents
Return of Trading Details
RTD support for VAT-registered businesses
VAT-registered businesses generally need to complete an annual Return of Trading Details. The RTD summarises purchases and sales for the year by VAT rate.
Accurate VAT coding during the year makes the annual RTD much easier to prepare because the underlying sales and purchases have already been classified properly.
Why bookkeeping matters for RTD
- Sales need to be analysed by VAT rate
- Purchases need to be analysed by VAT rate
- Incorrect VAT codes can distort RTD figures
- Reconciled accounting records simplify year-end reporting
E-Commerce VAT
VAT support for e-commerce and online businesses
E-commerce VAT can become more complex when businesses sell across borders, use multiple marketplaces or process sales through several payment platforms.
Good e-commerce VAT accounting begins by reconciling sales, refunds, marketplace fees, payment settlements and the underlying VAT data.
E-commerce VAT considerations
- Marketplace sales
- Payment processor settlements
- Refunds and chargebacks
- Cross-border transactions
- Multi-currency records
- VAT coding by transaction type
- EU VAT considerations where relevant
Common VAT Problems
VAT issues we help Irish SMEs resolve
VAT returns are being left until the deadline
When the books are not maintained throughout the period, preparing a VAT return can turn into a last-minute reconciliation exercise.
VAT balances do not reconcile
Incorrect coding, duplicated transactions, missing invoices or manual journals can create differences between the VAT return and accounting records.
It is unclear which VAT rate applies
Different supplies can have different VAT treatment, and unusual transactions may need to be reviewed individually rather than relying on a default accounting code.
Purchase VAT cannot be supported
Incomplete invoices and missing supporting records can make it more difficult to substantiate VAT deductions.
Cross-border transactions are confusing
EU and international sales or purchases can involve different VAT treatment depending on the customer, supplier, location and nature of the transaction.
RTD figures do not match the books
The Return of Trading Details requires annual sales and purchases to be analysed by VAT rate, so inconsistent VAT coding can create problems at year end.
How Our VAT Service Works
A structured VAT return process
Review VAT status
We confirm the business VAT registration details, filing frequency, accounting system and the VAT periods requiring attention.
Review the bookkeeping
Sales, purchases, expenses, invoices and reconciliations are reviewed to ensure the underlying records are sufficiently complete.
Check VAT treatment
Relevant transactions are reviewed for VAT coding, unusual entries and items that may require clarification.
Reconcile VAT balances
The VAT control accounts are reviewed against the underlying records before preparing the return.
Prepare the VAT return
The VAT3 is prepared using the reviewed accounting information for the relevant taxable period.
File and maintain records
The return is filed through ROS where agreed and supporting VAT records are maintained for future accounting and Revenue review.
VAT Pricing
Transparent VAT support for Irish businesses
VAT return support is included within relevant recurring accounting packages. Prices displayed are total amounts payable, with no additional VAT added.
LTD Essential
€159
per month
- Monthly bookkeeping
- Bank reconciliation
- VAT return support
- Statutory accounts
- Corporation Tax return
- CRO Annual Return support
VAT Registration
€119
one-off
Support with straightforward Irish VAT registration through Revenue Online Service.
Historical / Corrective VAT
Custom Quote
For overdue periods, incorrect historical filings or VAT records requiring substantial reconciliation and review.
Frequently Asked Questions
VAT Questions from Irish Small Businesses
How often are VAT returns filed in Ireland?
The standard VAT taxable period in Ireland is generally two months. Revenue may authorise different filing periods in certain circumstances, including four-monthly, six-monthly or monthly VAT returns.
When is a VAT return due in Ireland?
VAT is generally due by the 19th day of the month following the end of the taxable period. For ROS filers, Revenue currently extends the filing deadline to the 23rd day of that month.
What is a VAT3 return?
A VAT3 is the periodic VAT return used to report VAT due on sales and VAT deductible on purchases and expenses for the relevant taxable period.
Can Stratancy register my business for VAT?
Yes. VAT registration support is available for eligible Irish businesses. VAT registration is normally completed online through Revenue Online Service.
What records should I keep for VAT?
Businesses should keep full and accurate VAT records, including relevant invoices, receipts, credit notes, debit notes, accounting records and bank statements.
How long should VAT records be kept?
Revenue generally requires relevant VAT and tax records to be retained for six years, subject to specific exceptions and circumstances.
What is the Return of Trading Details?
The Return of Trading Details, or RTD, is an annual return showing total sales and purchases broken down by VAT rate. Revenue makes the RTD available through ROS.
Can VAT returns be prepared from my bookkeeping?
Yes. Accurate bookkeeping is the foundation of reliable VAT return preparation. Sales, purchases, expenses and VAT control accounts should be reconciled before the return is prepared.
Can you help if previous VAT returns are incorrect or overdue?
Yes. We can review the accounting records and identify the work required to correct or bring VAT reporting up to date. Historical or corrective work is normally quoted separately.
Do you support VAT for e-commerce businesses?
Yes. We can support e-commerce businesses with VAT-related bookkeeping and reporting. Cross-border transactions may require additional analysis depending on the countries, platforms and transaction types involved.
Related Accounting Services
VAT works best with accurate year-round accounting
Need help with your Irish VAT returns?
Tell us your VAT filing frequency, accounting software, transaction volume and whether your bookkeeping is up to date. We will recommend the appropriate VAT support and confirm the total price before work begins.