Items that are VAT exempt in the UK

The UK government charges VAT on some goods and services. But do you know which ones are VAT exempt? This article gives you some answers.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

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If you have bought goods and services in the UK, you probably already know about value-added tax or VAT. But do you know what goods and services are VAT exempt? Check out our list below.

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1. Some food and drink

Most food and drink for human consumption is VAT exempt, but there are some important exceptions.

Food and drink that is not VAT exempt

  • Food served in restaurants
  • Certain supplies relating to hot catering and hot takeaway food (but until 30 September 2021, the VAT has been reduced to 5%)
  • Alcoholic drinks, home brewing and wine making kits
  • All soft drinks including sports drinks and mineral water
  • Confectionery including cereal bars
  • Chocolate-covered biscuits
  • Crisps and savoury snacks
  • Ice cream

Confusingly, biscuits without chocolate and all cakes are exempt from VAT. And in case you were wondering, this includes Jaffa Cakes.

2. Children’s clothes

Clothing for young children has been charged 0% VAT since the tax was introduced in 1973. This includes babywear and children’s shoes.

3. Publications

Items such as books, magazines, newspapers, maps and charts, printed music, children’s painting and picture books, brochures and leaflets are VAT exempt.

To make home entertainment more affordable for people forced to stay at home during the pandemic, the UK government announced that the 0% VAT rate would apply to all e-publications from 1 May 2020.

4. Some medical supplies and equipment

This includes all prescription medicines, sanitary products, incontinence products and equipment designed for disability care, such as wheelchairs, alarms and/or specially designed motor vehicles.

There’s also no VAT on the cost of building work required to ensure disabled access.

5. Charity shop goods

Goods donated to charity shops with the intention of being resold are VAT exempt.

6. Antiques

The VAT exemption applies to proceeds from the sale of all antiques and works of art by private residences to public institutions.

7. Some admission charges

Charges for admission administered by charities or cultural organisations are exempt from VAT. Qualifying organisations include museums, galleries, zoos and other performance organisations.

8. Gambling

There’s no VAT to pay on lottery ticket sales, bingo, betting and any other games of chance. This applies to games and tickets purchased online as well as over the counter.

9. Financial, insurance and investments

Financial products such as loans and credit, insurance premiums and fees and charges associated with investments.

10. Health and medical

VAT is not charged for services provided by healthcare professionals including doctors, dentists, opticians and pharmacists. The cost of care provided by a hospital, hospice or nursing home is also exempt.

11. Sporting activities

Certain sporting and physical education services supplied by eligible bodies are exempt. An eligible body must be non-profit and non-commercial.

12. Education services

Fees for vocational training, education and other connected services provided by an educational organisation such as a school, college or university are not charged VAT.

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13. Funeral services

This includes the cost of burial, cremation or burial at sea. Funeral plans provided by insurance companies are also exempt.

14. Some membership fees

Most membership fees are subject to VAT, but the UK treasury makes an exception for some non-profit organisations.

In order to be eligible, the organisation has to charge fees for different benefits included in the subscription.

15. TV licence fee

There’s no VAT to pay on all types of TV licence.

Finally

Further information about the VAT rates on different goods and services is available from the gov.uk website.

If you are not certain about how the VAT works post-Brexit, you can also check out our article on how to navigate the new rules.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

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