When you cannot charge VAT
Not all goods and services carry a 20% VAT, knowing the right rate can save costly mistakes.
When a VAT-registered business issues an invoice to their customer, they must ensure that they charge the correct rate of VAT. Whilst most businesses in the UK charge VAT at the standard rate of 20% there
Changes to VAT on donations to charities
The government is consulting on new VAT relief for goods donated to charities for free use. Could this fix an unfair gap in current rules? Have your say by 21 July 2025.
A new
Benefits of the VAT Cash Accounting Scheme
Waiting to be paid but still having to hand over VAT? The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme potentially lets you pay VAT only when your customer pays you, helping to ease cash flow pressures for small and medium-sized businesses.
This approach can offer significant benefits if your business offers
VAT late filing penalties
New rules mean late VAT filings and payments now trigger points, fines and interest charges.
The VAT late filing penalties regime changed for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023. Under the new system, there are now distinct and separate penalties for late filing of VAT returns
VAT and the goods you use in your own business
Using business goods instead of selling them is usually VAT-free, but some cases require VAT payments. These "taxable self-supplies" include cars taken from stock and
Exception from VAT registration
Businesses over £90,000 turnover must register for VAT, but HMRC may grant exceptions if the increase is temporary.
A business must register for VAT if either of the following applies:
At the end of any month, its taxable turnover in the previous 12 months has exceeded £90,000; or
At any point,
VAT – Entertainment provided to directors and partners of a business
When considering VAT on entertainment provided solely to directors or partners of a business it is generally not recoverable as VAT Input Tax.
HMRC considers that directors and partners are not in need of entertainment to motivate themselves, so such costs are not for business purposes. However,
When can you deregister for VAT?
Considering VAT deregistration? Whether compulsory or voluntary, knowing the rules, deadlines and risks of delay can save your business from costly penalties.
The decision to
Understanding VAT Bad Debt Relief
Struggling with unpaid invoices? If you've paid VAT to HMRC but never received payment from your customer, you may be able to reclaim that VAT. Learn how bad debt relief works and
VAT – advantages of the VAT Flat Rate Scheme
Small business? The VAT Flat Rate Scheme could cut paperwork and improve cash flow. Pay VAT as a set percentage of turnover and enjoy simpler admin, budgeting ease, and even a 1%
