VAT rates

The standard VAT rate is 20%

VAT rates for goods and services

	% of VAT	What the rate applies to
Standard rate	20%	Most goods and services
Reduced rate	5%	Some goods and services, eg children’s car seats and home energy
Zero rate	0%	Zero-rated goods and services, eg most food and children’s clothes

The standard rate of VAT increased to 20% on 4 January 2011 (from 17.5%).

Some things are exempt from VAT, such as postage stamps, financial and property transactions.

The VAT rate businesses charge depends on their goods and services.

Check the rates of VAT on different goods and services.