Zero-rated VAT (0%) applies to specific taxable goods/services, allowing businesses to reclaim VAT on related costs (e.g., food, books, exports). "No VAT" usually refers to items "out of scope" (non-business activities, hobby sales) or transactions by non-VAT registered businesses, where input tax cannot be reclaimed.
While zero-rated supplies are subject to VAT at a 0% rate, an exempt supply is not incorporated into the taxable turnover and is not subject to VAT at all. These differences substantially impact businesses and consumers, particularly in the context of reclaiming input VAT.
Here are some common scenarios where you can charge 0% VAT: Food and Drink: Most food and drink for human consumption is zero-rated, except for items like catering, alcoholic drinks, confectionery, crisps and savory snacks, hot food, sports drinks, hot takeaways, ice cream, soft drinks, and mineral water.
The terms 'No VAT', 'Zero-Rated', and 'VAT Exempt' are all used to describe goods and services that aren't subject to VAT, but there are some important differences between these terms. 'No VAT' means that the goods or services being sold aren't subject to VAT because the seller is not registered for VAT.
No VAT (0%) – These transactions will not appear on your VAT returns. These should be used on transactions outside the scope of VAT. Examples are transfers between bank accounts, tax payments to HMRC, drawings/dividends by directors/shareholders.
Eligibility: Typically, businesses with annual gross sales or receipts below the VAT threshold—set at PHP 3 million as of 2025—are classified as non-VAT. Tax Obligation: These entities remit a 3% percentage tax to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) rather than the 12% VAT, streamlining their compliance process.
Goods and services that are 'out of scope'
goods or services you buy and use outside of the UK. statutory fees, like the London congestion charge. goods you sell as part of a hobby, like stamps from a collection. donations to a charity, if given without getting anything in return.
: What is the invoicing requirement for a Non-VAT registered person? : A Non-VAT-registered person shall issue a duly registered Non-VAT Invoice for every sale, barter, exchange or lease of goods or properties, and for every sale, barter or exchange of services valued at Five Hundred Pesos (Php 500.00) or more.
While no output VAT is collected from the customer, the seller is a VAT-registered person. The significant advantage is that businesses making zero-rated sales can claim input VAT on their purchases attributable to these sales. This input VAT can then be refunded or credited against other internal revenue taxes.
A VAT identification number is the unique number that identifies a taxable person (business) or non-taxable legal entity that is registered for VAT. It is also known as a VAT registration number. VAT numbers are used to identify the tax status of a customer.
Once you have registered, HMRC will send you your unique VAT Registration Number; you cannot charge VAT on your invoices until you have received this number. Once you have received your VAT registration number you should begin charging VAT on the taxable supplies you make on or after your registration date.
Conceptually, the tax can either raise the total price (inclusive of the sales tax) paid by consumers or reduce the amount of business revenue available to compensate workers and investors. Theory and evidence suggest that the VAT is passed along to consumers via higher prices.
VAT is calculated based on your taxable turnover, not your profit. That means it applies to the total value of your VATable sales, regardless of your expenses or how much profit you actually make. Profit is relevant for income or Corporation Tax, but VAT is purely based on the value of goods or services sold.
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 .
Zero-rated supplies are supplies that are not subject to GST in certain situations. A rate of 0% applies to these supplies. For example, a New Zealand architect designs a building to be constructed on an overseas property for an overseas client.
If a product is zero-rated, it is still technically VAT-able, but the rate is 0%. This means businesses must include these sales in their VAT returns and can reclaim VAT on related expenses, but no VAT is charged to the customer. Examples include some food, children's clothing and books.
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.
Items designated as zero-rated can vary by country but typically include essential goods such as basic foodstuffs, prescription medications, and water services. Zero-rated goods are critical in international trade as they are not subject to VAT in cross-border transactions, lowering costs for importing and exporting.
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.
Invoices and VAT numbers if you're not registered for VAT
VAT numbers are only given to businesses that have actually registered for VAT, so if your business isn't VAT registered, it's perfectly fine to send invoices that don't include a VAT number.
There are three types of VAT: standard-rated, zero-rated, and exempt.
For a “zero-rated good,” the government doesn't tax its sale but allows credits for the value-added tax paid on inputs. If a good or business is “exempt,” the government doesn't tax the sale of the good, but producers cannot claim a credit for the VAT they pay on inputs to produce it.
Exempt – where no VAT is charged on the supply. Examples of exempt items include the provision of insurance, postage stamps and health services provided by doctors. If a business only sells VAT-exempt goods and services, they cannot register for VAT.
Agricultural products, tuition fees, lending operations, real estate, books, transportation and other necessities are typically VAT-exempt transactions.