When buying printed materials it’s vital to check that you’re not overpaying VAT. There are four different rates (0%, 9%, 13.5% or 23%). Not all print products have the same VAT rate. For VAT registered clients it’s not an issue as they simply reclaim the VAT however for unregistered clients it can make a big difference.

So, if VAT is a cost for your business, be sure that you’re not overpaying it.

Below are a sample of different VAT rates on printed products, taken directly from the Revenue website.

Examples of printed material @ 0%

• Books
• Children’s picture and drawing/colouring books
• Atlases

Examples of printed material @ 9%

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Periodicals
• Brochures Catalogues
• Comics
• Directories
• Leaflets/flyers
• Maps
• Programmes
• Prospectuses (College, University, etc.)
• Sheet Music

Examples of printed material @ 13.5%

• Photographic prints and certain photographic services

Examples of printed material @ 23%

• Greeting cards
• Diaries and planners
• Business cards
• Books of stationery
• Calendars Exercise books
• Posters
• Postcards