Category Archives: VAT Did you know

A VAT Did you know?

By   16 June 2026

If you buy a hamster or gerbil in a pet shop, you will pay tax on it but if you buy a rabbit, it will be VAT free.

A VAT Did you know?

By   27 May 2026

Salted nuts are standard rated, but packets of nuts which are still in their shells are VAT free.

A VAT Did you know?

By   29 April 2026

All alcoholic drinks are always standard rated. Alcohol-free beer and wines are similarly subject to VAT.

A VAT did you know?

By   30 March 2026

Around 50% of businesses do not recover VAT incurred overseas and there is an estimated $5 billion not reclaimed each year.

A VAT Did you know?

By   25 February 2026

Energy saving: Insulation, solar panels, wind turbines, wood-fuelled boilers and air-source heat pumps are subject to a reduced rate of VAT at 5%, but the installation of secondary or double glazing is at the standard rate of 20%.

A VAT did you know?

By   27 January 2026

Crisps – spot the difference: Doritos, Monster Munch, Wotsits and poppadums are standard rated, however Pringles, Skips and Twiglets, are VAT free.

A VAT Did you know?

By   27 November 2025

In Italy, coffee substitutes are subject to a reduced VAT rate of 10%. But bizarrely, regular coffee is subject to the standard VAT rate of 22%. 

A VAT Did you know?

By   29 October 2025

Kangaroo steak is sold as food in shops – food is zero-rated, but the sale of live kangaroos is standard rated.

A VAT Did you know?

By   22 September 2025

Wigs for teddy bears are subject to Customs Duty, but the Upper Tribunal ruled that ‘realistic” hearts used for a Build-A-Bear toy are duty free. 

A VAT Did you know?

By   28 August 2025

Popcorn is standard rated. DIY popcorn – corn which is popped in a microwave is VAT free.  Don’t be lazy! 🍿