IN IRELAND, WE love complaining about taxes.

There are many different taxes and charges that we pay and, if you believe some people, we pay more than everyone else.

But, do we?

We checked.

Here is how Ireland compares with the rest of Europe when it comes to VAT.

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Only six European countries pay more in VAT on goods and services, with Germany’s rate 4% lower.

Luxembourg had a 15% rate, but that rose to 17% on 1 January.

In Cyprus and Malta, they pay 19% and 18%, respectively.

If you want to pay the lowest rate of VAT in the EU, head to the Canary Islands. They pay just 7%, because for VAT reasons, they’re outside the EU.

Read: Irish restaurants say cutting VAT has created more than 30,000 new jobs

Read: Have restaurants and hotels been reaping all the spoils while workers suffer?

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How does Ireland's VAT compare to the rest of Europe?

Read: Irish restaurants say cutting VAT has created more than 30,000 new jobs

Read: Have restaurants and hotels been reaping all the spoils while workers suffer?

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.