VAT rates 2026
VAT rates in the United Kingdom
The standard VAT rate in the United Kingdom is 20%, with reduced rates of 5% (since January 4, 2011).
Standard rate
20%
Reduced rate
5%
United Kingdom VAT calculator
- Net
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- VAT
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- Gross
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Which rate applies?
The standard rate of 20% applies to most goods and services. The reduced rates (5%) apply only to goods and services listed in the VAT law of the United Kingdom, typically food, books, medicines, public transport or accommodation; the exact lists differ by country and change often, so check the tax authority's list for your products.
Standard rate history
| Since | Standard rate |
|---|---|
| January 4, 2011 | 20% |
Selling to the United Kingdom from another country
B2B sales of goods and services between VAT-registered businesses in different EU countries are usually invoiced without VAT under the reverse charge. You must check that your customer's VAT number is valid, ideally when they place the order, and keep the result as proof. Validate a United Kingdom VAT number or use the bulk VAT validator.
Rates from the open-source ibericode/vat-rates data set, updated October 1, 2026. Always confirm rates with the national tax authority before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VAT rate in the United Kingdom?
When did the VAT rate in the United Kingdom last change?
How do I calculate VAT in the United Kingdom?
What does a United Kingdom VAT number look like?
VAT rates in other countries
VAT validation API
Validate VAT numbers in your app
vatcheckapi checks the format and checksum of EU and UK VAT numbers and confirms the registration with VIES and HMRC, with company name and address where the country provides them.
/v2/check documentation VAT number API All documentation
150 free validations every month. No credit card required.
GET https://api.vatcheckapi.com/v2/check?vat_number=GB980780684
{
"country_code": "LU",
"vat_number": "26375245",
"format_valid": true,
"checksum_valid": true,
"registration_info": {
"is_registered": true,
"name": "AMAZON EUROPE CORE S.A R.L.",
"address": "38, AVENUE JOHN F. KENNEDY\nL-1855 LUXEMBOURG",
"checked_at": "2023-01-11T12:30:28.000000Z"
}
}