What is VAT?
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax added at each stage of the supply chain — businesses collect it from customers and pass it to the tax authority. Many small businesses don’t have to register until they cross a turnover threshold. Here’s a plain-English explainer so you can decide whether you need to charge VAT and how to put it on your invoices.
VAT in 30 seconds
Tax on the sale
Added to the price the customer pays.
You’re a collector
You collect VAT from customers and pay it to the tax authority.
Threshold-based
Most countries only require you to register above a turnover threshold.
VAT, GST, sales tax
Different names for similar consumption taxes around the world.
How to charge VAT on an invoice
Check if you need to register
Most countries set a turnover threshold (e.g. £90,000 in the UK).
Get a VAT number
Register with your tax authority and put the number on your invoice.
Set your rate
Use the correct rate for your country and product (standard, reduced, zero).
Show subtotal, VAT, total
These three numbers must be shown separately on the invoice.
File your VAT return
On a quarterly or monthly cycle, depending on your country.
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Frequently asked questions
What is VAT in simple terms?
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax added to the price of most goods and services. Registered businesses collect VAT from their customers when they sell, and pay it to the tax authority — usually after deducting the VAT they themselves paid on business purchases.
Do small businesses have to charge VAT?
Only if you are above the registration threshold in your country (for example, £90,000 in the UK, ZAR 1m in South Africa, NGN 25m in Nigeria). Below the threshold, registration is usually optional.
What’s the difference between VAT, GST and sales tax?
They are all consumption taxes but applied differently. VAT and GST work at each stage of the supply chain; US-style sales tax is collected only at the final retail sale. The day-to-day mechanics on a single invoice look similar.
How do I show VAT on an invoice?
Show the subtotal (price before VAT), the VAT amount (and rate) and the total on separate lines, with your VAT/tax registration number on the invoice header.
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