What’s in this guide
VAT Registration — When & How
You must register for VAT once your taxable turnover exceeds the current threshold. Learn what counts as taxable turnover, how to register, and the voluntary registration option.
VAT Rates in the UK
Standard rate (20%), reduced rate (5%), zero rate (0%), and exempt supplies. Understanding which rate applies to your goods and services is critical to correct invoicing.
VAT Schemes — Flat Rate, Cash Accounting & More
HMRC offers several VAT accounting schemes that can simplify compliance or improve cash flow — including the Flat Rate Scheme and Annual Accounting Scheme.
Reclaiming VAT on Business Expenses
You can reclaim VAT on most business purchases. Learn what qualifies, what doesn't, and how to handle blocked input tax on cars and entertainment.
VAT on Exports & International Services
Selling to customers outside the UK? VAT rules differ for goods and services, and post-Brexit rules now apply to EU transactions. A guide to zero-rating, place of supply rules, and customs.
VAT Penalties & Late Returns
HMRC's penalty regime for late VAT submissions has changed. Understand the points-based system and how to avoid surcharges and interest charges.
VAT Articles
Detailed guides on VAT registration, rates, and compliance
Zero-Rating Services to International Customers — The UK Property Exception
Services to overseas customers are generally zero-rated, but if the service relates directly to a UK property, UK VAT at 20% applies regardless of where the customer is based.
Do You Need to Register for VAT When Setting Up a New Limited Company?
Incorporating a new company resets the VAT registration clock. Here is when VAT registration becomes necessary and why it may not be the first priority when you start trading.
Postponed VAT Accounting — How UK Importers Avoid Paying VAT at the Border
Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) lets UK businesses declare and reclaim import VAT on the same VAT return, eliminating the cashflow hit of paying VAT upfront at the border.
UK VAT on Goods — The Two Questions Every Business Must Answer
Whether you charge 20% or 0% VAT comes down to two questions: where are the goods delivered, and who is the importer? Here is how to get it right every time.
VAT on Exports — DAP vs DDP: What UK Businesses Need to Know
Exporting goods from the UK means 0% UK VAT, but who pays import VAT abroad depends on your Incoterms. Here is the difference between DAP and DDP explained.
Antique Furniture and the VAT Margin Scheme Explained
The VAT margin scheme lets dealers pay VAT only on their profit, not the full selling price. Here is how it works for antique and second-hand furniture.
VAT on Services — UK, Overseas B2B, and B2C Explained
VAT on services depends on who the customer is and how you invoice. Here is how design, restoration, delivery, and installation are treated for UK VAT purposes.
Need help with VAT?
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