You don't pay VAT on essential items like most basic foods, children's clothing, books, and prescription medicines (zero-rated), plus services like education, healthcare, insurance, and financial services (exempt), but what's exempt or zero-rated varies by country, with exceptions like specific charity goods and certain performances.
When not to charge VAT
Frequently asked questions
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax that businesses charge on most of the goods and services they sell. In the UK, the standard rate of VAT is 20%, with a reduced rate of 5% for some items (such as children's car seats) and 0% for many essentials (like most food and drink).
Certain goods and services must be exempt from VAT (for example, postal services, medical care, lending, insurance, betting), and certain other items are exempt from VAT by default, but states may opt to charge VAT on them (such as land and certain financial services).
A good example of non taxable sales for VAT include exports of services to other countries, charitable work, education or selling medically exempt services and products.
Common Types of VAT Exempted Supplies
Whilst coffee products used to prepare coffee, for example, instant coffee or ground/whole beans are zero-rated, coffee purchased as a hot drink from a café, restaurant or similar establishment, is subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%.
Exempt goods and services include many basic necessities such as food items, healthcare, and educational services. Unlike zero-rated goods, businesses dealing with exempt goods cannot claim a credit for the GST paid on inputs used to make these products.
Water charges can be subject to VAT at the standard rate, whereas there is no VAT on wastewater or trade effluent charges. Whether or not your business is charged VAT on water usage depends on your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code.
Agricultural products, tuition fees, lending operations, real estate, books, transportation and other necessities are typically VAT-exempt transactions.
Shipping your purchases home directly from the retailer is another way to avoid paying VAT, but the added cost may outweigh any savings. You can try to get your VAT refund through the mail but the process takes much longer and can be unreliable. Most people submit their requests at the airport on their way home.
1. The current VAT (Value-Added Tax) rate in South Africa is 15% . 2. Five goods on which no VAT is charged (zero-rated or exempt) include: Brown bread Maize meal Dried beans Rice Fresh fruit and vegetables .
Cold takeaway food and drinks are usually zero-rated VAT, with some exceptions like alcoholic drinks, confectionery, crisps, sports drinks, ice cream, soft drinks and mineral water. Food that's served hot is always standard-rated.
If something is exempt from VAT, it's usually because the product is considered to be an essential good or service. HMRC has a full list of VAT-exempt products, but some of the main goods and services that are exempt from VAT include: Sporting activities and physical education. Education and training.
What items are eligible for a VAT refund? Typical Recoverable Expenses are:
Common examples of VAT-exempt items or services include: Education: Educational services, such as those provided by schools, universities, and vocational training centers, are often VAT-exempt. Healthcare: Medical services, hospital care, and the supply of certain medical products may also be exempt from VAT.
For prices including VAT
If you want the price without VAT, divide by 1.12.
To deregister for VAT, apply to HMRC online or by post if your business is no longer eligible, such as when taxable turnover falls below £88,000 or if you cease trading. Ensure to stop charging VAT from the cancellation date.
Purchase from VAT-Exempt Countries or Sellers
VAT-Free Sellers: Some sellers, particularly large online retailers, offer products without VAT for international buyers. Ensure that the merchant you're purchasing from can provide VAT-free sales and request an invoice excluding VAT.
For example, if the price is £100, do 100 × 0.20 = 20 — that's the VAT amount equal to a VAT percentage of 20%. To get the total price including VAT, add it back: 100 + 20 = £120.
Here, we explore the most common VAT mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them.