TaapCraft - AI-Powered Local Services Marketplace UK Logo
    HomeGuarantee

    VAT Information for Traders

    Everything you need to know about VAT on TaapCraft, your responsibilities as a trader, and HMRC compliance requirements.

    Platform Commission

    Goods only 5% inc VAT - services 12.5% - 5.5% inc VAT

    VAT Registration

    £90,000 threshold (2024/25) - mandatory registration above this

    Your Responsibility

    Display prices inc VAT and manage your own HMRC compliance

    Commission Calculator

    Two simple structures - all fees inclusive, all inc VAT

    Select whether you sell goods only or services to see your rate.

    Important Notes:

    • UK VAT rate is currently 20% - you can adjust it above if rates change
    • Goods-only retailers: flat 5% inc VAT, customer pays for delivery
    • Services: 12.5% up to £1,000, 8.5% from £1,001 - £5,000, 5.5% on £5,001+
    • All transaction, payment and insurance fees are included in the commission
    • You should display your prices to customers including VAT
    • You remain responsible for your own VAT registration and HMRC compliance
    • VAT Reclaim: VAT registered businesses can claim back the VAT portion of the commission

    1. Understanding VAT on TaapCraft

    1.1 Platform Commission Structure

    TaapCraft charges a simple, transparent commission:

    Two structures - all inc VAT

    • Goods only (retailers): flat 5% inc VAT - customer pays for delivery
    • Services up to £1,000: 12.5% inc VAT
    • Services £1,001 - £5,000: 8.5% inc VAT
    • Services £5,001+: 5.5% inc VAT
    • VAT, transaction, card payment and insurance fees are all included
    • No subscriptions, no monthly fees, no listing fees

    Simple and Transparent

    Every rate you see on TaapCraft is inclusive of VAT and of all transaction, payment and insurance fees, so the commission shown is the only deduction from your payout.

    1.2 Default VAT Assumptions

    Unless explicitly stated otherwise:

    • All platform fees are quoted excluding VAT (exc VAT)
    • Any price marked "inc VAT" already includes the VAT component
    • Card processing and insurance fees are typically exc VAT

    1.3 Your Service Pricing

    Critical Requirement

    You MUST display all service prices to customers including VAT. This is a legal requirement under UK consumer protection law. Customers must see the final price they will pay, inclusive of VAT.

    2. VAT Registration Requirements

    2.1 Mandatory Registration Threshold

    £90,000 Annual Turnover (2024/25)

    You MUST register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. Registration is mandatory within 30 days of crossing this threshold.

    2.2 Voluntary Registration

    You may choose to register for VAT even if your turnover is below £90,000 if:

    • You want to reclaim VAT on business expenses
    • Most of your customers are VAT-registered businesses
    • You want to appear more established and professional
    • You incur significant VAT on equipment, materials, or supplies

    2.3 Deregistration Threshold

    You can apply to deregister if your turnover falls below £88,000 (2024/25) and you expect it to stay below that level.

    2.4 How to Register

    Register online via HMRC:

    1. Visit gov.uk/register-for-vat
    2. Create or sign in to your Government Gateway account
    3. Complete the online VAT registration form (VAT1)
    4. Provide business details, turnover information, and bank details
    5. Wait for your VAT registration number (typically 2-3 weeks)

    3. Your VAT Responsibilities as a Trader

    3.1 Charging VAT Correctly

    If you are VAT registered, you must:

    • Charge 20% VAT on standard-rated services (most trades)
    • Issue VAT invoices showing your VAT number
    • Display prices including VAT to consumers (B2C)
    • Keep detailed records of all VAT charged and paid

    3.2 VAT Returns

    VAT-registered traders must:

    • Submit VAT returns every 3 months (quarterly)
    • Use Making Tax Digital (MTD) compatible software
    • Submit returns by the deadline (1 month + 7 days after period end)
    • Pay any VAT owed by the same deadline
    • Claim refunds if you've paid more VAT than you've charged

    3.3 Keeping Records

    You must keep records for at least 6 years:

    • All sales invoices (including TaapCraft bookings)
    • Purchase invoices and receipts
    • VAT account showing VAT charged and reclaimed
    • Bank statements and payment records
    • Annual accounts and VAT returns

    3.4 Reclaiming VAT on Expenses

    If VAT-registered, you can reclaim VAT on:

    • Materials and supplies for customer jobs
    • Tools, equipment, and vehicles used for business
    • Business premises costs (rent, utilities, etc.)
    • Professional services (accountant, insurance, etc.)
    • TaapCraft platform commission (VAT element only)

    TaapCraft Commission VAT Reclaim

    When TaapCraft charges you commission, the VAT element can be reclaimed on your VAT return. For example, on a £1,000 services job at 12.5% inc VAT (£125 total, of which £20.83 is VAT), you can reclaim the £20.83 VAT charged on the commission.

    4. HMRC Compliance

    4.1 Making Tax Digital (MTD)

    Since April 2022, all VAT-registered businesses must use MTD-compatible software to keep VAT records and submit returns.

    MTD requirements:

    • Keep digital records in compatible software
    • Submit VAT returns via MTD-compatible software only
    • Maintain digital links between software systems
    • No manual VAT return submissions via HMRC website

    4.2 Penalties for Non-Compliance

    Serious Consequences

    Failing to comply with VAT obligations can result in:

    • Late filing penalties: Up to £400 for repeated late returns
    • Late payment interest: Daily interest on unpaid VAT
    • Surcharges: 2-15% of unpaid VAT for repeated defaults
    • Accuracy penalties: Up to 100% of tax lost for careless or deliberate errors
    • Prosecution: Criminal charges for deliberate VAT fraud

    4.3 VAT Inspections

    HMRC may conduct VAT inspections to verify:

    • Your VAT records are accurate and complete
    • You're charging the correct VAT rates
    • You're only reclaiming VAT on legitimate business expenses
    • Your returns match your bank statements and invoices

    Keep thorough, organized records to make any inspection straightforward.

    4.4 Seeking Professional Advice

    We Strongly Recommend:

    • Consulting a qualified accountant for VAT registration and compliance
    • Using professional accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, etc.)
    • Getting expert advice before making major business decisions
    • Staying informed about VAT rate changes and threshold updates

    5. Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Do I need to register for VAT if I only earn £50,000 per year?

    No, registration is optional below the £90,000 threshold. However, you may choose to register voluntarily if it benefits your business (e.g., to reclaim VAT on expenses).

    Q: Can I charge VAT if I'm not VAT registered?

    No. You must not charge VAT or issue VAT invoices if you are not VAT registered. This is illegal and considered VAT fraud.

    Q: Does TaapCraft handle VAT compliance for me?

    No. TaapCraft is a marketplace platform only. You are solely responsible for your VAT registration, charging VAT correctly, submitting returns, and complying with HMRC requirements. TaapCraft provides the commission breakdown showing VAT elements, but you must manage your own compliance.

    Q: What if I cross the £90,000 threshold mid-year?

    You must monitor your rolling 12-month turnover monthly. Once you exceed £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, you must notify HMRC within 30 days and register for VAT. The registration becomes effective from the first day of the second month after you exceeded the threshold.

    Q: Can I use the Flat Rate VAT Scheme?

    Yes, if your turnover is below £150,000. The Flat Rate Scheme simplifies VAT by allowing you to pay a fixed percentage of your turnover to HMRC (typically 12-14.5% depending on your trade), rather than tracking all input VAT. This can be beneficial for some traders.

    Q: Where can I get more information?

    Official HMRC resources:

    • VAT Registration Guide
    • VAT Rates
    • Making Tax Digital
    • Flat Rate VAT Scheme

    Important Disclaimer

    This page provides general information about VAT for traders using TaapCraft. It is not professional tax advice and should not be relied upon as such.

    VAT rules can be complex and vary depending on your specific circumstances. You are solely responsible for ensuring your VAT registration, compliance, and returns are correct.

    We strongly recommend consulting a qualified accountant or tax advisor for personalized guidance on your VAT obligations. TaapCraft accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or losses arising from reliance on this information.

    ← Back to Legal Hub

    Stay Updated

    Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest insights and updates

    Quick Links

    • Home
    • About
    • How It Works
    • For Consumers
    • For Traders
    • FAQ & Help
    • Blog
    • Join As Trader

    Comparisons

    • Builders & Trades
    • vs Bark
    • vs Checkatrade
    • Food & Bakeries
    • All Categories

    Tools

    • Explore TaapCraft
    • All Trader Tools
    • Invoice Generator
    • Quote Generator
    • Price Estimator
    • Contact Us

    Company

    • About
    • Blog
    • Foundation
    • Investors
    • Press
    • Advertising
    • Service Guarantee
    • Legal Hub

    Follow Us

    London shops, services & goods - all 32 boroughsTrade jobs across every London borough & district

    TaapCraft is the UK's leading AI-powered social marketplace connecting consumers with verified local traders across 400+ service categories. From builders and plumbers to hairdressers and personal trainers, find trusted professionals near you with zero booking fees. Available across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bristol and all UK cities. Traders join free with just 12.5% - 5.5% commission - no setup fees, no subscriptions, no lead fees.

    © 2026 TaapCraft. All Rights Reserved.

    TaapCraft™ is a registered trademark of TaapCraft Ltd.

    UK00004260947 & UK00004260947