Can I use VAT cash accounting in Ireland?

Yes — Ireland's VAT Cash Receipts Basis (equivalent to cash accounting in the UK) is available to smaller VAT-registered businesses. Under this scheme, you account for VAT when you actually receive payment from customers, rather than when you issue an invoice. Eligibility: businesses with turnover of €2 million or less. How it works: instead of paying VAT on issued invoices (which may be unpaid for 30–60 days), you pay VAT on cash received. This protects cashflow for businesses with slow-paying clients. Similarly, you reclaim input VAT on purchases only when you actually pay the supplier, not when you receive their invoice. You apply to use the Cash Receipts Basis via Revenue — it is not automatic. Note: you still file bi-monthly VAT returns on the same schedule — only the point at which VAT is accounted for changes.

• Available to businesses with turnover ≤ €2 million
• VAT due when cash received, not when invoice issued
• Protects cashflow if customers pay late (30–60 day payment terms)
• Input VAT reclaimed only when you pay your suppliers
• Apply via Revenue — not automatic; you still file on the usual bi-monthly schedule