What was the rate of VAT when it was first introduced?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on February 06, 2026
10%
Introduction Of VAT In The UK This was because on the 1st of January 1973 the UK joined the European Economic Community. Upon joining the Conservative Chancellor Lord Barber decided to set a single VAT rate of 10% on most goods and services.
What was the first UK VAT rate?
10
On 1 January 1973 the UK joined the European Economic Community and as a consequence Purchase Tax was replaced by Value Added Tax on 1 April 1973. The Conservative Chancellor Lord Barber set a single VAT rate (10%) on most goods and services.
When was VAT tax introduced in the UK?
1973
The UK was obliged to introduce VAT when it joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973. VAT broadly replaced a purchase tax on luxury goods.
When did the 5% VAT rate start?
15 July 2020
Operative date. The initial reduced rate of 5% has had effect from 15 July 2020. The subsequent 12.5% reduced rate will have effect from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022. At this point the standard rate will apply.
Is hospitality VAT still 5%?
The UK government has confirmed that the temporary reduced rate of 5% VAT for the tourism and hospitality sector will be extended to until 30 September 2021.
Is food still 5% VAT?
A 5% rate of VAT applies to supplies of: Food and non-alcoholic beverages sold for on-premises consumption, for example, in restaurants, cafes and pubs.
What is the standard rate of VAT in the UK?
VAT rates. The standard VAT rate is 20%. The standard rate of VAT increased to 20% on 4 January 2011 (from 17.5%). Some things are exempt from VAT, eg 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.
Can You charge VAT on services outside the UK?
What qualifies and the VAT rate you charge depends on the type of goods or services you provide. No VAT is charged on goods or services that are: exempt from VAT. outside the scope of the UK VAT system.
How does VAT apply to different goods and services?
VAT rates on different goods and services. A list of goods and services showing which rates of VAT apply and which items are exempt or outside the scope of VAT. If you’re registered, you have to charge VAT when you make taxable supplies. What qualifies and the VAT rate you charge depends on the type of goods or services you provide.
When was Value Added Tax introduced in the UK?
e In the United Kingdom, the value-added tax (or value added tax, VAT) was introduced in 1973, replacing Purchase Tax, and is the third-largest source of government revenue, after income tax and National Insurance. It is administered and collected by HM Revenue and Customs, primarily through the Value Added Tax Act 1994.