See more from Ask Carzone 
Can I import a car from the North VAT-free?
If I purchase a 2012 car from a garage in northern Ireland can the UK vat on export to the south of Ireland be claimed back or can I purchase it vat free
Our answer:
Hi Patrick,
Only a motor dealer can claim back VAT on imports, under certain conditions. However, if that 2012 car was in use in Northern Ireland before 2021 - and you can prove it with paperwork - then there will be no extra VAT payable to Revenue on registering it.
Have a motoring question? Ask us here!
Ask us anything motoring related and please provide as much information as possible so we can give you the most accurate advice.