What supplies are exempt from VAT?

Asked by: Casper Spinka  |  Last update: September 10, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (57 votes)

VAT-exempt supplies are goods and services not subject to Value Added Tax, meaning no VAT is charged to customers, but businesses cannot reclaim input VAT on related costs. Common exemptions include, but are not limited to, health services (medical care), financial services, insurance, education, training, postal services, and specific property transactions.

What are exempt supplies in VAT?

By definition, exempt supplies refer to 'supply of goods or services for consideration while conducting business in the State, where no tax is due and no Input Tax may be recovered except according to the provisions of the Decree-Law'.

What items are exempt from VAT?

When not to charge VAT

  • financial services, investments and insurance.
  • garages, parking spaces and houseboat moorings.
  • property, land and buildings.
  • education and training (excluding private schools)
  • healthcare and medical treatment.
  • funeral plans, burial or cremation services.
  • charity events.
  • antiques.

What are common VAT-exempt items?

Common Types of VAT Exempted Supplies

  • Education services like schools and private tutoring.
  • Medical and healthcare treatments.
  • Non-profit sports and cultural programs.
  • Charity-run fundraising events.
  • Banking, insurance, and other financial services.

What is an example of an exempt supply for VAT purposes?

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.

VAT: Zero Rated vs Exempt Goods - What's the difference?

33 related questions found

What are five goods on which no VAT is charged?

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 .

What are exempt supplies examples?

It is the supply of goods and services that does not attract GST and allows no claim on ITC. Example: Bread, fresh fruits, fresh milk and curd etc. Services Tax Act, and includes non-taxable supply.

What expenses are no VAT?

Costs that are exempt for VAT don't have VAT on them. Examples include: all services provided by a post office, such as postage and stamps. insurance and other financial services.

How to know if VAT is exempt?

Your sale is VAT-exempt if it falls under Section 109 of the Tax Code, such as sales of certain residential properties, agricultural food products, educational and medical services. You do not charge VAT and cannot claim input VAT credits.

What are examples of zero-rated supplies?

Common examples of zero-rated sales include basic groceries, prescription drugs, and certain medical devices. Understanding zero-rated sales is essential for both consumers and businesses, as it affects pricing and tax obligations.

What expenses can you not claim VAT on?

You cannot reclaim VAT for:

  • anything that's only for personal use.
  • goods and services your business uses to make VAT -exempt supplies.
  • the cost of entertaining or providing hospitality to people you do business with (for example theatre or sports tickets)
  • goods sold to you under one of the VAT second-hand margin schemes.

Which items are exempt from tax?

Goods and services exempted from VAT are:

  • Non-fee related financial services.
  • Educational services provided by an approved educational institution.
  • Residential rental accommodation, and.
  • Public road and rail transport.

How do I know if a product is VAT exempt?

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.

Which type of supply is not subject to VAT?

Exempted supplies

Tax amounts are not charged on exempted supplies. Some of the commonly exempted supplies include bare land, residential property leases, local transportation, and certain financial services. However, you still need to report exempt supplies in your VAT return.

What are exempt supplies?

Exempt supply includes the provision of financial services, sale and lease of residential properties and local supply of investment precious metals.

What qualifies for VAT exemption?

To get the product VAT free your disability has to qualify. For VAT purposes, you're disabled or have a long-term illness if: you have a physical or mental impairment that affects your ability to carry out everyday activities, for example blindness. you have a condition that's treated as chronic sickness, like diabetes.

What are zero-rated supplies?

What is Zero Rating? By zero rating it is meant that the entire value chain of the supply is exempt from tax. This means that in case of zero rating, not only is the output exempt from payment of tax, there is no bar on taking/availing credit of taxes paid on the input side for making/providing the output supply.

What transactions are not subject to VAT?

Agricultural products, tuition fees, lending operations, real estate, books, transportation and other necessities are typically VAT-exempt transactions.

What products do not charge VAT?

Frequently asked questions

  • 19 basic food items, like milk and brown bread.
  • Petrol and diesel.
  • Paraffin.
  • Certain government grants.
  • Sale of a going concern (property or business that is still trading)
  • Export of goods.
  • International transport of goods and passengers.
  • Certain services supplied to non-residents.

What expenses are eligible for VAT?

Certain business expenses, such as office supplies, equipment, professional fees, and business travel expenses, are deductible for VAT purposes. Non-deductible expenses: Expenses like entertainment, personal expenses, penalties, and fines are not eligible for VAT deduction.

How to avoid VAT tax?

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.

What stuff is tax exempt?

Most states exempt rent, payments to health care providers, and prescription drugs. Some also exempt clothing, tampons, diapers, non-prescription drugs, and certain other items.

Which supply is classified as exempt?

Supplies that constitute exempt supplies are: Supply of residential accommodation. Certain forms of local passenger transport. Certain Educational Services.

What is an exempt supply for VAT purposes?

What does VAT exemption mean? Certain goods and services are exempt from VAT. This means that they are not subject to VAT and therefore, do not incur the standard 20% VAT charge. Exempt goods and services include insurance, education, and health services.