HMRC has published the latest summary of HMRC tax receipts, National Insurance contributions (NICs), and expenditure for the UK. It includes historical receipts on a monthly and annual basis for all taxes administered by HMRC.
VAT highlights:
- annual receipts over the last 20 years have grown from £77.4 billion in 2006 to 2007, to £180.7 billion in 2025 to 2026
- receipts as a proportion of GDP over the last 20 years have grown from 5.2% in 2006 to 2007, to 5.9% in 2025 to 2026
- annual receipts in 2020 to 2021 fell to £101.7 billion (from £129.9 billion the year before), and this fall can be attributed to the VAT payment deferment policy and the temporary reduced 5% rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions, alongside wider economic impacts of COVID-19
- receipts in 2024 to 2025 are £171.0 billion and the relatively small growth from £168.4 billion in the previous year could be attributed a lower share of consumption on goods at the standard rate of VAT than was the case in 2023 to 2024
- receipts in 2025 to 2026 are £180.7 billion (5.9% as a proportion of GDP) which could be attributed to the nominal tax base for VAT increasing due to inflation and policy measures.