VAT regulations can be a little confusing where printing is concerned, as not all printed items are VAT chargeable. Here you have it as clear as we could possibly present it to you.
Most printed items will have VAT added to them. These include:
- Stationery items (letterheads, compliment slips, business cards)
- Mailed items (postcards, invitations, greeting cards)
- Marketing material (brochures, folders, posters)
- Items with end value (tickets, vouchers, discounts)
Some printed items will have no VAT added to them. These are known as zero-rated. In particular books and booklets are VAT free.
Many leaflets are zero-rated. To qualify for this, the leaflets need to be of an ephemeral nature (designed to be read a few times and then discarded) or be designed to accompany some other product or service, such as an instruction manual.
Some features will make a leaflet VAT chargeable. These include
- A leaflet with an area that needs to be written on, such as a form, is chargeable.
- A leaflet that includes a financial gain such as ‘free entry with this leaflet’ or ‘10% discount’ is chargeable.
- A leaflet designed for long-term use such as a laminated year planner is chargeable.
This is an abridged explanation of VAT on prints, but there's a lot more to it like the number of copies printed and finished size. For full details check out the HM Revenue & Customs website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk.
The only time Print It will settle for a zero is when it comes to VAT charges.
