ICAEW.com works better with JavaScript enabled.

VAT articles

Articles written by experts from ICAEW related to VAT under the UK tax regime.

Displaying 1-30 of 191 results
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT The policy adviser’s perspective on VAT – evolution not revolution
  • Dec 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Mike Cunningham, former Deputy Director at HM Treasury, talks about the complexities of the UK VAT system and the ways it could be reformed to make it fairer for all.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT The former minister’s perspective on VAT – Chancellors must pick their battles
  • Dec 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
David Gauke, former government minister who held multiple ministerial posts in the Treasury, says that communication and timeliness around VAT reform are vital to its success.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT The academic’s perspective on VAT – wholesale change is the only way forward
  • Dec 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Professor Rita de la Feria, Chair in Tax Law, University of Leeds, explains how using developments in technology and broadening the VAT base could bring significant improvements to the UK system.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT The EU perspective on VAT – make the most of Brexit
  • Dec 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Donato Raponi, former Head of the VAT Unit at the European Commission, says many VAT systems are too complicated and, having exited the EU, the UK is now in a good position to make significant changes.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT Why the UK must reform VAT
  • Dec 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
This vital revenue stream is burdened by complexity, undermined by exemptions, and dogged by a lack of digitalisation. Post-Brexit, there is both an opportunity and an imperative for core reform.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT Lessons on VAT from New Zealand and Australia
  • Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
For UK tax policy stakeholders, fascinating case studies of how other countries are approaching VAT can be found on the other side of the world.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT Why previous efforts to simplify VAT have failed
  • Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Fifty years on from its introduction, VAT is a complex tax that taxpayers struggle to understand. Despite attempts at simplification, including by the Office of Tax Simplification itself, VAT remains notoriously complicated. Experts explain why this is the case.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT E-invoicing to be mandatory for EU VAT by 2030
  • Nov 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Agreement has been reached on a package of digital measures for VAT in the European Union (EU), including the introduction of a real-time digital reporting system through electronic invoicing (e-invoicing).
Exclusive TAX FACULTY VAT on cryptoassets
  • Nov 2024
  • Dion Seymour (Andersen LLP), Royce Adcock (BDO LLP) and Ishvinder Bedi
  • Taxline
In the third in a series of articles on cryptoassets, members of ICAEW’s digital assets working party examine the landmark VAT case of Hedqvist and consider how NFTs could potentially be treated for VAT purposes.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT TECHNICAL ROUND UP Technical round-up: October 2024
  • Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
This month’s top stories feature eight Budget updates covered by ICAEW’s Tax Faculty, a list of software products that are now ready for MTD ITSA, and new VAT guidance for private schools.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT The complicated and costly world of VAT
  • Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Everyone knows UK VAT is complicated and, for taxable persons, costly to comply with. But why is the tax so complex, and why does it often impose onerous compliance costs?
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT ICAEW helps improve HMRC’s capital allowances guidance
  • Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Following a meeting at which HMRC set out seven areas of the capital allowances regime where its guidance could be improved, ICAEW has provided written comments on those areas and on the guidance generally.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT Panel supports UK re-domiciliation regime
  • Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
The panel set up by the previous government to explore a possible UK re-domiciliation regime has outlined how the regime could work and the tax, accounting and insolvency legislation that may be needed.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT New VAT guidance for private schools
  • Oct 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
HMRC has published guidance for private schools on the implications of charging VAT on fees, including if, when and how they must register for VAT.
Exclusive TAX FACULTY Why is VAT complicated and costly?
  • Oct 2024
  • ICAEW
  • Taxline
The UK VAT system imposes a significant compliance burden on businesses. Yige Zu and Richard Krever delve into the root causes of this complexity, and explore potential solutions for a more efficient and less distortionary tax regime.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT The ups and downs of the VAT registration threshold
  • Sep 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
The VAT registration threshold increased to £90,000 in April 2024, but should it be higher? Or would the UK benefit from a lower threshold?
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT Delay charging VAT on private school fees, urges ICAEW
  • Sep 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW believes that implementing the legislation with effect from 1 January 2025 does not give private schools enough time to prepare.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT ECONOMIC UPDATE Economy explainers: private schools and VAT
  • Sep 2024
  • ICAEW Tax Faculty
The Labour government has published draft legislation removing the VAT exemption for private schools from 1 January 2025. ICAEW’s experts outline the changes.
Exclusive TAX FACULTY The case for a progressive VAT
  • Aug 2024
  • ICAEW
  • Taxline
The authors of a recent paper for the International Monetary Fund argue for a single-rate, broad-based VAT with the tax paid on consumption repaid to lower income households in real time. Angela Bedi considers the merits of a progressive VAT and how it could be achieved.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT Charity reliefs under the spotlight
  • Aug 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
Is removing the VAT exemption from private school fees and slashing business rates relief for charitable independent schools the thin end of the wedge for the Third Sector?
Exclusive TAX FACULTY VAT registration threshold: higher or lower?
  • Aug 2024
  • Ed Saltmarsh
  • Taxline
Despite a rise in the VAT registration threshold to £90,000 in April 2024, debate continues as to whether it should be increased further or reduced. Ed Saltmarsh sets the scene and invites VAT experts to make the case for change.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT ICAEW rejects VAT changes for private hire vehicles
  • Jul 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW’s Tax Faculty calls for targeted action to support private hire vehicle (PHV) passengers in its response to the consultation on measures that may be needed following judgements involving Uber.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT King’s Speech includes VAT on private school fees
  • Jul 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
The government has confirmed it will remove the VAT exemption for private school fees, and that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will assess all significant tax measures.
Exclusive TAX FACULTY Starting a business in Italy: the lowdown on the tax implications
  • Jul 2024
  • ICAEW
  • Taxline
Whether sole trader, partnership or company, a key step in starting a business in Italy is choosing the best structure. In his third ‘lowdown’ article, Andrea Matera provides a summary of the main issues, including the benefits of the flat-rate scheme for smaller businesses.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT VAT registration details must be changed digitally from August
  • Jul 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
From 5 August 2024, a business wanting to change its VAT registration details must do so using its VAT online account.
Exclusive TAX FACULTY The road ahead for VAT and PHVs
  • May 2024
  • ICAEW
  • Taxline
The government is consulting on options to reform the VAT treatment of private hire vehicles in response to recent cases involving Uber. Ed Saltmarsh examines the case for making a change, and what this could look like.
Exclusive TRAVEL TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY COMMUNITY VAT news
  • May 2024
  • Sue Rathmell
There have been a number of changes in the travel VAT world recently.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT TECHNICAL ROUND UP Technical round-up: May 2024
  • May 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
This month’s top stories include a HMRC warning about VAT bank details fraud; an NAO report showing taxpayers have been let down by poor HMRC service; and HMRC rejecting the ‘brightline’ test for furnished holiday lets.
INSIGHTS VIEWPOINT Wanted: ideas to reform UK VAT
  • May 2024
  • ICAEW Insights
ICAEW is seeking research proposals by 31 August 2024 for simplifying the UK’s VAT system, with a £5,000 prize for the winning entrant.
Call for proposals: VAT reform in the UK
  • May 2024
This call for research proposals on VAT reform in the UK is focused on addressing specific challenges within the VAT system. The current complexity of UK VAT, including a myriad of rates and exemptions, not only confuses taxpayers and policymakers, but also creates disproportionate compliance burdens for businesses.
Displaying 1-30 of 191 results
Looking up the front of the Bank of England towards a blue sky.
Thought leadership

How to fix VAT

  • Hub page
  • 18 Nov 2024
ICAEW explores the challenges and opportunities offered in reimagining VAT and it's application. Read about the history of VAT, the lessons that can be learned from outside the UK and the potential of digitalisation.
Browse resources