VAT increase for some businesses
At the start of the pandemic, the government cut the flat rate scheme percentages for businesses in the hospitality industry. As of 1 October 2021, these rates have increased. Who is affected, and why isn’t it the end of the story just yet?
In broad terms, a business using the flat rate scheme (FRS) charges output tax at the standard rate, but only accounts for it to HMRC at a specified FRS percentage - keeping the difference. But the snag is that they can’t claim input tax on most of their purchases. There are also rules to prevent traders that don’t incur much VAT from benefiting unfairly from the FRS.
Early on in the pandemic the government cut the FRS percentages for accommodation businesses, e.g. hotels, pubs and catering services. However, these cuts were temporary. As of 1 October 2021, each of the three rates has increased, albeit not back to their original level as yet. The rates are now as follows (previous figure in brackets):
- Accommodation businesses 5.5% (0%)
- Pubs 4% (1%)
- Catering services including restaurants and takeaways 8.5% (4.5%).
These percentage rates will apply until 31 March 2022, when it is expected that they will return to their pre-pandemic levels of 10.5%, 6.5% and 12.5% respectively.
Related Topics
-
Late payment interest to be cut
A cut to the Bank of England base rate means there will be another reduction in HMRC's penalty interest rates. What are the new charges and when will they take effect?
-
Making a main residence nomination
Where you have more than one home, you can choose which is the main residence for capital gains tax purposes. What factors should you consider when making the choice and when can a nomination be made?
-
Flat rate scheme: join now or never?
HMRC recently published a report about the advantages and disadvantages of the flat rate scheme for a small business. Could the report lead to the abolition of the scheme or a ban on new users?