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What Is VAT Taxable Turnover In The UK?


Last Updated: 20 May 2025
Reviewed By: Ian Wright (Managing Director)

Companies must register for VAT if their taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold. Find out more about taxable turnover with this guide.

Sections

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  • VAT Taxable Turnover
  • What Is Included In Taxable Turnover?
  • What Is Excluded From VAT?
  • Conclusion
  • Sources

VAT Taxable Turnover

VAT taxable turnover is the total value of goods and services that are subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT). It is important for VAT-registered businesses because it impacts their VAT liabilities. When a business’s taxable turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold imposed by HMRC, it must register for VAT. This is a compulsory VAT registration.

The VAT registration threshold is the amount of yearly revenue necessary for firms to register for VAT. This VAT threshold (currently at £85,000) indicates the taxable turnover necessary for businesses to become VAT-registered and begin charging VAT on sales.

Businesses that reach the VAT threshold are legally required to charge and collect VAT on taxable supplies. They must also file a VAT return to HMRC and pay VAT on turnover. Monitoring VAT taxable turnover is important for businesses to guarantee VAT compliance and prevent penalties or fines for non-registration or non-payment of VAT.

Businesses should periodically compare taxable turnover to the VAT threshold and quickly do their VAT registration when the threshold is surpassed.

What Is Included In Taxable Turnover?

You should know what is included in the taxable turnover of your company. All income streams generated by a business that is subject to UK VAT laws are included in taxable turnover. This consists of VAT-liable sales of goods and services both in the UK and abroad.

Businesses should keep correct VAT records when calculating taxable turnover. Save every VAT invoice and receipt. Ensure that HMRC’s Making Tax Digital initiative is followed. Businesses should use digital technologies to retain records and file VAT returns under this scheme.

Be aware of the VAT registration limit, which governs when you must register for VAT. Regularly comparing taxable revenue to the limit assists companies in determining their VAT liabilities.

Understanding what is included in taxable turnover is how you know when to file your VAT return and how to regularly reclaim VAT on capital assets. Keeping detailed records and adhering to HMRC standards guarantees appropriate compliance with HMRC VAT rules.

What Is Excluded From VAT?

Some items and transactions are exempt from tax. These exclusions include zero-rated or VAT-exempt items. Exempt supplies are not subject to VAT at all, whereas zero-rated supplies are liable to VAT at a 0% rate. Transactions that are below the VAT criteria are not included in the taxable turnover.

The VAT deregistration threshold is the amount of taxable turnover below which a firm can opt to deregister from VAT. To effectively calculate this, firms must establish whether their supplies are zero-rated, exempt, or fall below the VAT limits.

Businesses should keep accurate records and compare their revenue to the appropriate VAT thresholds regularly. If a company’s annual revenue falls below the registration level, it may not need to register, but it must inform HMRC of the change.

Conclusion

Hiring an accountant can ensure precise record-keeping, timely filing of VAT returns, and compliance with HMRC requirements. Businesses can deal with the intricate rules of VAT with the help of a professional. This will reduce the risk of mistakes and optimize efficiency.

Sources

https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/invoices/dictionary/vat-taxable-turnover/

https://www.gov.uk/how-vat-works/vat-thresholds

https://www.taxinsider.co.uk/what-turnover-counts-when-registering-for-vat

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-tax-digital/overview-of-making-tax-digital

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