Skip to content
VAT in United Kingdom guide
Standard VAT/GST rate
20%
Reporting currency
GBP
Administered by
HMRC

VAT in United Kingdom guide

In need of personal consultation?

Register for a consultation with Edgaras. It is completely FREE and you will get many questions answered!

Book a Free consultation

United Kingdom VAT rates

In the United Kingdom, the term “taxable supplies” refers to supplies of goods and services that are liable to a rate of VAT, including zero rates.

In the United Kingdom, the following are the VAT rates:

  • Standard rate: 20%
  • Reduced rate: 5%
  • Zero rate: (0%)

The standard rate of VAT applies to all supplies of goods or services unless a specific measure provides for the zero or reduced rate or an exemption.

Turnover threshold Standard VAT rate Measurement period
70,000 GBP 20% Rolling 12 month period
E-services threshold Standard VAT rate Measurement period
None 20% Rolling 12 month period

UK VAT for digital service providers

In case of digital services, telecom services or broadcasting services supplied in a B2B context, the place of supply is the place where the recipient is established. No UK VAT should be charged, and reverse charge applies unless supplier and customer are established in United Kingdom. In case of digital services, telecom services or broadcasting services supplied in a B2C context we refer to the section on the Mini One-Stop Shop below for more information.

VAT is levied on most goods and services provided by registered businesses in the UK and some goods and services imported from outside the European Union. There are complex regulations for goods and services imported from within the EU. The default VAT rate is the standard rate, 20% since 4 January 2011 (more rates discussed in the below paragraph). There is also a certain UK VAT threshold company has to meet when VAT registration becomes mandatory.

In case of digital services, telecom services or broadcasting services supplied in a B2B context, the place of supply is the place where the recipient is established. No UK VAT should be charged, and reverse charge applies unless supplier and customer are established in United Kingdom. In case of digital services, telecom services or broadcasting services supplied in a B2C context we refer to the section on the Mini One-Stop Shop below for more information.

In case of digital services, telecom services or broadcasting services supplied in a B2B context, the place of supply is the place where the recipient is established. No UK VAT should be charged, and reverse charge applies unless supplier and customer are established in United Kingdom. In case of digital services, telecom services or broadcasting services supplied in a B2C context we refer to the section on the Mini One-Stop Shop below for more information.

UK VAT threshold

The VAT threshold in UK is based on VAT taxable turnover – the total value of everything what is sold or supplied that is not VAT exempt.

For the 2020/21 tax year, the UK VAT threshold is set at £85,000, but can change each year. It’s calculated on a rolling basis, so taxable turnover for a rolling 12 month period, not just in the current tax year, but also for last financial year or the calendar year must be taken into account.

UK VAT threshold table

CircumstanceVAT threshold UK applicable
VAT registration More than £85,000
Registration for distance selling into the UK More than £70,000
Registration for bringing goods into the UK from the EU More than £85,000
Deregistration threshold Less than £83,000
Completing simplified EC Sales List £106,500 or less and supplies to EU countries of £11,000 or less

VAT threshold UK for accounting scheme application:

Threshold to join schemeThreshold to leave scheme
Flat Rate Scheme£150,000 or lessMore than £230,000
Cash Accounting Scheme£1.35 million or lessMore than £1.6 million
Annual Accounting Scheme£1.35 million or lessMore than £1.6 million

VAT Registration in UK – United Kingdom

The obligation for VAT registration in UK might be triggered in different ways. Here is the the list of most common scenarios:

  • Importing goods into UK from foreign countries;
  • Buying and selling goods in UK (excluding domestic reverse charge);
  • Selling the goods from UK to customers in other countries (B2B or B2C);
  • Acquiring goods in UK from other foreign countries;
  • Holdinging and storing inventory in UK for selling, distribution or consignment;
  • E-commerce sales of goods to UK consumers;
  • Organising events in UK where attendees or delegates are paying admission.

1stopVAT can provide VAT registration service in United Kingdom as well as other Global VAT/GST/Sales tax compliance services.

Late – registration penalties

A penalty is assessed for late VAT registration, therefore VAT threshold in UK should be examined constantly. This penalty is calculated as a percentage of the VAT due (output tax less input tax) for the “relevant period.” The “relevant period” begins on the date on which the business is required to be registered and ends on the date on which the UK VAT authorities became fully aware of this liability.

Need assistance with VAT in United Kingdom?
We can help!

Dedicated account manager

As our client, you will be assigned to a multilingual account manager who can address all your tax-related inquiries and resolve any issues you may have at any time.

Single point of contact

We serve as single point of contact, simplifying the process and ensuring that your VAT compliance is handled efficiently and effectively within single stop.

Exclusive customer service

We support our clients, ensure fast response time and always go beyond by offering tailored assistance and individual attention.

Certified experts

Our team is combined of more than 30 experts, who can provide wide range of services and are certified members of IVA, AITC and VAT Forum. Currently we have more than 500 clients and knowledge how VAT works in 100 locations.

Grow your business in VAT compliant way

Sign up for our free newsletter and get valuable insights, stay up-to-date with important news, and receive pro tips from our VAT experts.

Register for a FREE consultation

We offer a FREE consultation to better understand your needs. This could result in a simple solution to your taxes issues or lead to a more collaborative working relationship. Let's find out what's the best solution for you!

Get in Touch

What are the consequences of not being compliant?

How to ensure compliance?