During 2016, Revenue officers in postal depots around the country applied charges averaging almost €29 to more than 76,000 packages! 76 thousand… wow…! While you may have already purchased online over the weekend or last week, it is still good to be aware and know about costs that may apply to online shopping that could arrive in the coming weeks.

If the price of goods seems low, it may be due to tax and duty not being accounted for. However, once goods arrive in the State, you are liable for additional charges and non-payment can result in your goods being seized.

Almost all goods from non-EU countries will be liable to tax and duty:

• If goods have a customs value (including cost, transport, insurance and handling charges) of more than €22, you will have to pay VAT.
• If goods cost more than €150, you will have to pay Customs Duty and VAT.

Be cautious and remember to factor into the online price additional taxes and /or Duty, if buying from non-EU countries.

Wendy Merrigan, Williams Merrigan, Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm

Wendy@williamsmerrigan.ie