VRT Export Repayment Calculator
Calculate your VRT refund when permanently exporting vehicles from Ireland
Calculate VRT Export Repayment →VRT Export Repayment Calculator
Calculate how much VRT you can claim back when permanently exporting your vehicle.
How VRT Export Repayment Actually Works
When you permanently export a vehicle from Ireland, Revenue will refund part of the VRT you originally paid. It's not the full amount - they calculate it based on how long you've had the car and its current value. Think of it as getting back the "unused" portion of your VRT.
The Basic Formula
Revenue uses a depreciation schedule to work out your refund. The longer you've owned the car in Ireland, the less VRT you get back. This makes sense - you've had the benefit of using the car here, so you pay for that privilege.
Simple Example
You paid €8,000 VRT in January 2022, now exporting in January 2024 (2 years later):
Depreciation: 20% per year = 40% total
Refund: €8,000 × 60% = €4,800
Time Limits Matter
You must claim your export repayment within specific timeframes:
- Within 2 years: Best refund rates available
- 2-5 years: Reducing refund amounts
- Over 5 years: Limited or no refund available
VRT Export Repayment Rates
Revenue applies standard depreciation rates to calculate your export repayment. These rates are fixed and apply regardless of your vehicle's actual condition or market value.
| Time in Ireland | Depreciation Rate | Refund Percentage | Example (€10,000 VRT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 months | 10% | 90% | €9,000 |
| 6-12 months | 20% | 80% | €8,000 |
| 1-2 years | 40% | 60% | €6,000 |
| 2-3 years | 60% | 40% | €4,000 |
| 3-4 years | 80% | 20% | €2,000 |
| Over 4 years | 90%+ | 10% or less | €1,000 or less |
No Refund After 5 Years
If you've had your car registered in Ireland for more than 5 years, you typically won't get any VRT refund. Revenue considers the VRT fully "used up" after this period.
Export Repayment Process and Documentation
Required Documentation
- Form VRT 2: Export notification form
- Irish registration certificate: Original logbook
- Export evidence: Shipping documents or border crossing proof
- VRT receipt: Proof of original VRT payment
- Current valuation: Professional valuation if claiming based on current value
Step-by-Step Process
- Notify Revenue: Submit Form VRT 2 before or immediately after export
- Provide evidence: Submit all required documentation
- Revenue assessment: They calculate your refund entitlement
- Payment: Refund typically processed within 4-6 weeks
Common Refusal Reasons
- Late notification (after export)
- Insufficient documentation
- Vehicle not permanently exported
- Claims made outside time limits