Caitlin Waldron-Healy buys a new iPhone 11, costing €632, of which €119 is VAT.
Caitlin thinks it’s unfair that her uncle Patrick, who also works for the Togher Group and earns double the salary that Caitlin earns, just bought an iPhone 11 for the same price and same VAT!
This is known as regressive taxation. Regardless of income, the amount of tax is the same.
Customs duty
• Tax on goods and services being brought into Ireland from a country outside of the European Union (EU), e.g. the USA. This applies to buying online too!
• These imported goods become more expensive compared to Irish goods and so Irish consumers will be less likely to buy them over Irish products.
• Example: when buying makeup or a basketball kit from the US, you will have to pay the extra tax.
Example Caitlin bought Nike runners from the US.
The cost was €120. Delivery charges were €25 and insurance cost €5. If customs duty is 5%, what is the tax? €120 + €25 + €10 = €155 = Total value €155 × 5% = €7.75 = Customs duty
Excise Duty
Usually charged on products which pose: • a health risk, e.g. cigarettes or alcohol • an environmental risk, e.g. petrol or diesel • a social risk, e.g. gambling.
Example
Caitlin bought diesel for her Nissan Qashqai. The price includes excise duty as diesel is harmful to the environment.