VAT on Printing Products: Explained
VAT Explained
VAT is used in the European Union. It stands for Value Added Tax and is a consumption tax based on the added value to goods and services. It is the third-largest source of government revenue, behind income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
Why does VAT matter for printing products?
Printing products can be either VATable or zero-rated. The standard VAT rate is 20% and may affect which products you are seeking printing for. Here at Brightside Print and Design, we will certainly be in touch with you throughout the process to let you know if you must pay VAT on something you ordered.
VAT on Printing Services
It’s important to know the VAT regulations for the printed products you are seeking. While our Brightside Print Store website typically specifies the regulations under each print description, here’s a guide on which products are zero-rated and which ones are VAT Rated.
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 |
Further specifics
VAT on Leaflets
It is difficult to differentiate between flyer printing and leaflet printing, but leaflets typically have more than one page. As with flyers, leaflets are exempt from VAT. You only have to pay the VAT on our same day delivery or next day delivery options. If you choose to collect your prints from our London-based print shop, the collection is free!
Exceptions
Some printed products on the zero-rated list may be applicable for VAT if they can or have been used for any of the following:
1. Voucher of admissions
If your print product is used for admission to an event, VAT is chargeable. For example, your product may say “free admission with this leaflet” and would therefore be chargeable.
2. Discount usage
If your print product is used to obtain a discount on goods or services, VAT is chargeable. For example, your product may say “25% off with this poster” and would therefore be chargeable.
3. Writable area
If your printed product has an area designed to be written on, VAT is chargeable. To be charged, this area must cover at least 25% of the artwork. Examples include invitations, certificates, postcards, or forms.
4. Writable booklets
All books and booklets are exempt from VAT charges unless they are designed and printed to be written in. Examples include diaries, calendars, and record books.
Seeking more details?
If your question was not answered within this blog, there are other resources you can check out.
Gov.UK has all the rules and regulations on zero rating books and printed matter.
Our website has all the specifics on what printed products we offer and the VAT regulations for each one.