This guide provides an overview of VAT in the UK, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within the UK.
was the year the UK introduced VAT, replacing the old “Purchase Tax.”
Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in the UK may be able to reclaim it.
Doing business in the UK? You’ll need to play by the IVA’s VAT rules.
Registration is only required for businesses above the threshold.
The UK applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, and registration is mandatory for non-resident businesses providing digital services to UK customers.
Eligible expenses include accommodation, food, drink and restaurant services, some local transport and admission to fairs and exhibitions. The reclaimable amount depends on the applicable UK VAT rate and whether the business meets UK VAT registration requirements.
Processing times for a UK VAT refund varies, but businesses reclaiming VAT in the UK can expect it to take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the claim complexity and submission accuracy.
Tax authorities may request original invoices however due to digital submission method, scans of invoices are allowed in most cases.
Explore indirect tax information in these countries:
VAT IT and Helios: Every Invoice Verified, All Eligible VAT Recovered. When your business crosses borders, the tax rules, invoice formats, and compliance requirements change with every country you enter. Most expense platforms were not built to handle that. Managing it across multiple vendors is where things tend to go wrong. Helios and VAT […]
Oman’s e-Invoicing Rollout Just Changed. Here Is the Updated Timeline. On 9 August 2026, Oman’s Tax Authority issued Decision No. 189/2026, adjusting the phased rollout of its mandatory e-Invoicing programme and providing more clarity in respect of the affected taxpayers. The dates have moved. The direction has not. What Changed Phase Who It Covers Previous […]
VAT in the Events Industry: The Triggers That Catch Businesses Out Most event businesses think they have a VAT plan. What they actually have is a VAT filing plan. Those are not the same thing. Filing returns on time does not protect you if the underlying classification of your supplies is wrong. If admission […]
Branch vs Subsidiary: Why the Distinction Matters More Than You Think for VAT Reclaim Most multinationals know the difference between a branch and a subsidiary from a corporate law perspective. Fewer realise how dramatically that distinction affects their VAT position, and specifically, how much recoverable VAT they may be leaving on the table because of […]
California Is About to Tax SaaS. Here Is What Changes on 1 January 2027. If California was the state your US Sales Tax compliance team never had to think about, that changes in six months. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 122 into law as part of California’s 2026-2027 budget. From 1 January […]
VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA): The Complete Guide to the EU’s VAT Reform VAT in the Digital Age, better known as ViDA, is the European Union’s biggest overhaul of VAT rules in a generation. After nearly two years of political deadlock, the reform is no longer a proposal, it is enacted EU law, with the first major deadlines within the […]
California Is About to Tax SaaS. Here Is What Changes on 1 January 2027. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations are seeking innovative solutions to streamline financial operations, enhance compliance, and drive cost savings. Two leading platforms in this space, SAP Concur and eezi, Powered by VAT IT, offer powerful capabilities individually. When integrated, they […]
Is There VAT on Software and SaaS Subscriptions? What Buyers Need to Know Most finance teams have faced the same issue: an invoice lands for a new SaaS (Software as a Service) tool, and it is not obvious whether VAT should be charged on it, who is responsible for it, or whether it can be […]
Fiscal Representative in France: What Non-EU Businesses Need to Know Many businesses trading in France are required to appoint a fiscal representative to maintain VAT compliance. Whether you are importing goods, storing stock, or selling to French consumers, understanding this obligation before you operate is significantly easier than discovering it after the fact. Key Takeaways […]
VAT IT listed as a Pre-Approved e-Invoicing Service Provider (ASP) by the UAE Ministry of Finance: What Businesses Need to Know VAT IT is proud to announce that we have officially been listed by the UAE Ministry of Finance as a Pre-Approved e-Invoicing Service Provider (ASP). This recognition confirms that VAT IT has successfully […]
This webinar explains how US businesses can identify and recover foreign VAT, breaking down key concepts like reciprocity and showing where refund opportunities are often missed.
