VAT

VAT rates

The standard rate of VAT is 20% for most goods and services.
Zero-rated supplies are taxable supplies on which the current VAT rate is 0%.
Examples include:

  • most food (but not meals in restaurants or cafes, or hot takeaway food and drink)
  • books
  • newspapers
  • young children’s clothing and shoes
  • exported goods
  • most prescriptions dispensed to a patient by a registered pharmacist
  • most public transport services

This is not a full list.
Reduced-rate supplies are taxable supplies on which the current VAT rate is 5%.
Examples include:

  • supplies of domestic fuel or power
  • installation of energy-saving materials
  • grant-funded installation of heating equipment or security goods or connection of a gas supply
  • women’s sanitary products
  • children’s car seats
  • residential conversions
  • residential renovations and alterations

This is not a full list.
Exempt supplies are business supplies which do not meet the definition of taxable supplies. In other words, they’re business supplies on which VAT is not charged.
Examples include:

  • certain selling, leasing and letting of land and buildings (but not lettings of garages, parking spaces or hotel and holiday accommodation)
  • insurance
  • betting, gambling and lotteries (but not takings from fruit machines)
  • providing credit
  • certain education and training
  • fundraising events by charities
  • subscriptions to certain membership organizations
  • the services of doctors and dentists
  • certain services from undertakers

This is not a full list.

 

Source: Gov.UK website