The option to tax is a VAT election that allows businesses to treat supplies of most non-residential land and buildings as taxable rather than VAT exempt. Once an option to tax is made, supplies in relation to that property are generally subject to VAT at the standard rate.
One of the key
The VAT Cash Accounting Scheme can help businesses improve cash flow by allowing VAT to be accounted for when customers actually pay invoices, rather than when invoices are issued. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that offer credit terms or experience delays in customer
Businesses that lease cars often assume they can recover all of the VAT charged on car leasing payments. In practice, the rules are more limited.
Where a business leases a qualifying car, HMRC normally only allows 50% of the VAT on the leasing charges to be reclaimed. The restriction is designed
Changes announced in the Autumn Budget have removed the use of a niche VAT scheme known as the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS) for private hire vehicle operators from January 2026.
TOMS was originally designed for tour operators selling travel packages. However, some large ride-hailing firms
The VAT Flat Rate Scheme is designed to simplify the way a business accounts for VAT and, in doing so, reduce the administrative burden associated with VAT compliance. The scheme is available to businesses that expect their annual taxable turnover in the next 12 months to be no more than
It is important to understand both when VAT registration is required and the ongoing obligations that follow. The VAT registration threshold is currently £90,000 of taxable turnover, although businesses below this level can choose to register voluntarily.Once VAT registered you must ensure you meet
The VAT treatment of car leasing is an important consideration for businesses that incurs VAT on these costs. In general, leasing companies are able to recover the VAT incurred on the purchase of cars, provided the vehicles are leased out at a commercial rate. For businesses leasing a car, however,
Reclaiming VAT on a self-build home project can significantly reduce the overall cost of building or converting your property. The VAT DIY Housebuilders Scheme is a special VAT scheme that allows private individuals to benefit from the same VAT advantages as professional property developers. Under
When issuing invoices, it is important to apply the correct VAT treatment. In some cases, that means not charging VAT at all. Although most UK businesses charge VAT at the standard rate of 20%, there are other rates and categories that may apply. Understanding these distinctions can help you avoid
Understanding which supplies are zero rated for VAT is essential for any business. A zero-rated supply is still a taxable supply, but it is charged at a 0% VAT rate. This distinction is important because VAT incurred in making a taxable supply can still be recovered. Therefore, a business that only