There was a 48% increase in the amount of money returned to farmers through VAT refunds between 2004 and 2016, the latest figures from the Revenue show.

Up to 17,666 farmers each received a portion of the €55,653,800 refunded by the Revenue in this period.

The figures indicate that a small pool of farmers are intensifying the type of work they can claim VAT from, as the increase in money received was not matched by a substantial increase in the number of farmers receiving refunds.

Farmers can register for VAT if they satisfy a number of criteria, including if your annual turnover exceeds €37,500 from agricultural contracting services.

However, farmers don’t have to be registered for VAT to receive a refund, and can apply to the Revenue to get VAT back on fencing, drainage and reclamation of land, along with other areas, including farm structures.

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