Who needs a VAT number in Ireland, how to register with Revenue Commissioners, what the number looks like, how to find or check one, and where it goes on your invoices.
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Updated for 2026
Last reviewed September 2026
What the VAT number is
The VAT number is the number Revenue Commissioners assigns to a taxpayer in Ireland. It follows you across every tax you deal with: VAT, income tax and withholding. Businesses that pay you will ask for it before they release payment, because they report their suppliers to Revenue Commissioners by this number.
PPS number: seven digits and one or two letters. VAT number: IE plus 8 or 9 characters.
Who needs one
Every worker has a PPS number; sole traders register it for income tax; companies get a tax reference number when they register with Revenue.
How to register, step by step
Individuals: register for income tax through myAccount or with form TR1 to be treated as self-employed.
Companies: register with Revenue on form TR2 after CRO incorporation.
Register for VAT on the same form, or later through ROS when you cross the threshold.
How to find or check a VAT number
Your own number is on the registration certificate and on every letter or notice from Revenue Commissioners. Most authorities now offer an online lookup to confirm a supplier's number and registered name before you pay them; use it for any new supplier.
Where it goes on your paperwork
In the invoice header next to your business name, and in the client block when the client is a registered business. Quotations and purchase orders carry it too, so the client's accounts team can match documents. The Ireland invoice generator has a VAT number field in both blocks.
Questions people ask
Does it cost anything to get a VAT number?
Registration with Revenue Commissioners is normally free. Agents charge for filling in the same form; pay one only if you want the time saved.
Can I invoice without a VAT number?
You can write the document, but many clients will not pay an invoice that has no VAT number, and you cannot charge VAT without being registered. Register first; it is usually quick.
Is the VAT number the same as VAT registration?
Not necessarily. The VAT number identifies you as a taxpayer; VAT registration is a separate status you take on when turnover passes the threshold or you opt in. Some countries use one number for both, others issue a separate VAT number.
How long does registration take?
Online registrations are often instant or take a few days; applications that need a visit or document checks take longer. Start before you need to send your first invoice.
Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-09-03. Everything here is indicative rather than a ruling on your circumstances, and rules change. Confirm anything you rely on with Revenue Commissioners before acting on it, and tell us if you find something out of date so we can correct it.
This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not tax advice for your circumstances. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser or with Revenue Commissioners.
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