Changes to Hospitality VAT Rates

Unless the Chancellor responds to requests from the hospitality industry, starting the 1^st of April the VAT rate for most goods and services within the hospitality industry will increase from 12.5% to 20%, this reverses the temporary rates that were in place since June 2020.

 In June 2020 the government had introduced a temporary VAT rate reduction for the supply of the following services:

• Hot and cold food in restaurant or take-away
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Hotel and holiday accommodation, including caravan parks, tents and related facilities

This VAT reduction was intended to provide the sector with support after being impacted by the various Covid restrictions that have been in place, and the government has decided to take a phased approach in returning to the standard rate, by first extending the 5% VAT rate and secondly by introducing a 12.5% rate prior to returning to the VAT regime in place before mid-June 2020.

What does this mean for your business?

Your company will have gone through these changes a few times in recent years, but as a reminder, you need to ensure that your business is ready to update the point of sales systems to reflect the changes to the going VAT rate. Ensuring the VAT rate is adjusted prior to processing any sales on the 1^st of April will ensure you are able to provide accurate VAT invoices. Timely changes to your tills will prevent retrospective adjustments to your return, which could impact your profitability.

Secondly, it could be time to consider if the changes to the VAT rate will also require a review of your sales prices to ensure this does not impact your overall profitability. Don’t forget to update your website or menu prices if any changes are required.

Flat rate VAT scheme

If your business is on a flat rate VAT scheme there will be changes to consider too, as this will also be subject to change:

Could your business benefit from a trusted adviser who prepares your VAT returns and keeps you up to date with the latest changes to VAT legislation? Have you considered outsourcing one or multiple finance business processes, why not take the opportunity to speak to us to discuss your options?