VAT Exemptions
Although most prices on our website include VAT on printing, it’s important to know which printed products are Vatable and which are zero-rated. This table shows which printed matter has standard rated VAT and which products are VAT free. The standard VAT rate is 20%.
| Zero-Rated | VAT Rated |
|---|---|
| Books | Business Cards |
| Booklets | Calendars |
| Brochures | Certificates |
| Catalogues | Compliment Slips |
| Colouring Books (Children's) | Coupons |
| Comics | Delivery Notes |
| Directories | Diaries |
| Flyers* | Envelopes |
| Journals | Exhibition Stands |
| Magazines | Greetings Cards |
| Manuals | Gift Vouchers |
| Maps | Forms |
| Menus | Invitations |
| Sheet Music | Invoices |
| Newspapers | Labels |
| Orders of Service | Laminated Products |
| Pamphlets | Letterheads |
| Price Lists (Without an Order Form) | Manuscripts |
| Recipes | Medical Records |
| Sports Programmes | Order Books or Forms |
| Timetables | Postcards |
| Travel Brochures | Posters |
| Presentation Folders | |
| Price Cards and Tags | |
| Questionnaires | |
| Roller Banners | |
| Stationery | |
| Table Talkers | |
| Tickets | |
| Vouchers |
*Please note that there are certain criteria regarding VAT on flyers. Leaflets must meet for the product to be zero-rated. There must be a significant amount of text on at least one side of the leaflet to ensure it is being printed as something to be read hand-held, as opposed to posting on a wall. As well as this it must be no larger than A4 and printed on paper no thicker than 250gsm stock.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Some printed products in the zero-rated list may still be applicable for VAT if they have or can be used for any of the following:
1. Voucher of admissions
VAT on printing is chargeable if your print product is used for admission to an event. For example, using the words ‘free admission with this leaflet’.
2. Discount usage
VAT is chargeable if your print product is used to obtain a discount on goods or services, for example using the words ‘25% off with this poster’.
3. Writable area
VAT is chargeable if your printed product has an area designed to be written on. For example, invitations, certificates, postcards, or forms. To be charged, this area must cover at least 25% of the artwork.
4. Writable booklets
All books and booklets are exempt from VAT charges unless they are designed and printed to be written in, like diaries, calendars, and record books.
HMRC has a helpful guide with the full details of the VAT on printing services.
What Happens if I Need to Pay VAT on Printing?
If you are using our printing services and purchasing something in the exceptions list above, our team checks every single piece of artwork for many different things and VAT is one of these. If you are required to pay VAT on your printing, we’ll be in touch to let you know how much you need to pay and how to do this, so there’s no need to worry!
If you have any more questions about VAT on printing flyers or our services, please get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.