What is a VAT 56B?
John Castro
Published Mar 07, 2026
What is a VAT 56B?
Jarlath O’Keefe 03 Oct 2018. As the holder of a VAT 56B Authorisation Certificate (VAT 56B), you will no doubt be aware that you are entitled to receive qualifying goods and services at the zero rate of VAT, regardless of the actual rate of VAT applicable to the good or service in question.
What is VAT 13B Authorisation?
Section 56 authorisation (formerly “VAT 13B”) A qualifying business that holds a valid “section 56 authorisation” is entitled to receive certain goods and services from Irish suppliers with a zero rate of VAT applicable, as well as to import goods free from VAT.
What is a VAT 56a?
account for VAT on certain EU acquisitions at the zero rate, • import certain goods without payment of VAT. This form asks for an “Accountants Certification” of turnover.
What is VAT exempt?
Definition of a VAT exempt That means if you sell these goods and services you won’t charge your customers any VAT, and if you buy them there will be no VAT to reclaim. If you make some exempt sales, you can’t reclaim VAT on any costs you incur while making those sales.
What is a VAT Certificate Ireland?
Sometimes when dealing with suppliers in the EU you will be asked to provide a VAT certificate. This is simply a certificate of taxable status which can be ordered from the revenue on the following link.
How do I apply for VAT Authorisation?
Log into HMRC online services for agents using your Government Gateway ID. For each service you need to use, you’ll need to enrol using your agent code or reference. You will receive a letter from HMRC with a pin number which is used to activate the service.
What is VAT 13B exemption?
2. Section 56 Authorisation (formerly known as VAT 13B) A qualifying business that holds a valid Section 56 authorisation is entitled to receive certain goods and services from Irish suppliers with a zero-rate of VAT applying as well as importing goods free from VAT.
How do you know if you are VAT exempt?
VAT law states that you must be ‘chronically sick or disabled’ to qualify for VAT relief. A person is ‘chronically sick or disabled’ if they either: have a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term and severe effect on their ability to carry out everyday activities.
Who is exempt from paying VAT in UK?
Exempt – where no VAT is charged on the supply. This means that goods and services that are exempt from VAT are not taxable. Examples of exempt items include the provision of insurance, postage stamps and health services provided by doctors. Supplies that are ‘outside the scope’ of the UK VAT system altogether.
Where do I get VAT certificate?
If your accountant made your application on your behalf, HMRC will send a copy of the certificate in the post to your registered office address. A copy of the VAT certificate will also be available online as soon as your registration has been processed by HMRC.
How do I get a VAT Certificate in Ireland?
To receive a VAT number in Ireland, you need to fill in a tax registration form and submit it to Revenue. During the VAT registration process, Revenue will want to see evidence that you have trade with Ireland. Revenue decides whether to accept or reject your application based on the evidence you submit.
How do I get an authorisation code from HMRC?
What does VAT 56B stand for?
A VAT 56B Authorisation Certificate (VAT 56B), means that you are entitled to receive qualifying goods and services at the zero rate of VAT. The form is issued from the Revenue District responsible for your tax affairs, or can be downloaded from the Revenue website. If you have a valid VAT 56B Authorisation Certificate,
How do I apply for a vat 56B authorisation?
4.1 Applications for authorisation should be made on Form VAT 56A, which is available from the Revenue District responsible for the applicant’s tax affairs or may be downloaded from the Revenue website. If the application is successful, a VAT 56B Authorisation Form will be issued to the applicant. The VAT 56B will show an authorisation number.
How long is the validity of a vat 56B certificate?
Ensuring the validity of the VAT 56B A VAT 56B Authorisation Certificate is issued for a period of time as determined by Revenue. This may range from one year to three years,renewable in October. It is only possible to receive qualifying goods and services at the zero rate of VAT where the VAT 56B has not expired and is still valid.
What is the section 56B authorisation for variablevat groups?
VAT Groups can also avail of the scheme where the group as a whole qualifies. Revenue issue a Section 56B authorisation for periods varying from one to three years, renewable on 31st October. For businesses that currently hold an existing Section 56B authorisation, your current authorisation may be due to expire on 31st October this year.