Reclaiming VAT before VAT registration

salad17

I have been a sole trader for 3 years and have just registered for VAT as I've hit the VAT threshold.

I discovered that in the UK you can reclaim VAT on goods for up to 4 years before registration, and up to 6 months for services

(https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/purchases-made-before-registration)

However I'm finding it hard to find any information on whether this is possible in Ireland? On revenue, under the reclaiming VAT sections it states "The time limit for reclaiming VAT is 4 years" but doesn't say if this can predate registration.

Can anyone shed some light on this please?

I had a lot of big startup costs for equipment in the first few years so it's fairly disheartening to now start paying VAT on sales when I incurred the cost of VAT for startup expenses. I didn't think I'd hit the threshold but have been fortunate in my growth this year.

salad17

Anyone have an answer on this please?

adrianw

Any VAT that is incurred prior to the date you are registered for VAT unfortunately cannot be recovered.