VAT on Printing

Knowing which printed products include VAT can be complicated. So let's discuss VAT in more detail, which products incur it, and some exceptions.
 

VAT Exempt Products

VAT (Value-Added Tax) is a compulsory financial tariff levied at each stage of the supply chain - from production to the final sale, and it only applies to some print items.

The list below shows which print items are VAT exempt. Please note that there can be exceptions to this list, so please read the Exceptions section carefully.

VAT Exempt (Zero-Rated) Items:

Example of a hardcover book
 

VAT (Standard Rated) Items

Generally, the VAT depends on which print item you've selected and whether a user will write on it.

The Following Items Are Not VAT-Exempt:

For a more detailed explanation, please refer to the HMRC website.

Several printed business cards
 

Exceptions

Any multi-page, bound products including forms, lines, or pages with space to write, draw, or colour in, are not exempt from VAT. This rule also applies to Comic Books with Variant Sketch covers. Similarly, if you print a Booklet or Book to create a Diary or Journal, your order will not be VAT-exempt. However, if more than 25% of a Leaflet or Flyer includes a form or other design intended to be written or drawn on, the product is not exempt from VAT. 

For example, you could create a 4-sided folded Leaflet with a form design on one side. This portion would take up 25% of your print design, making it no longer exempt from VAT. But if you created a 6-sided Folded Leaflet with a form on one side, that only takes up 16.67% of your design - and it would be exempt from VAT.

IMPORTANT: Whether an item is VAT-exempt or not will be subject to sight review of the artwork by Mixam's print experts. Mixam is always compliant with UK tax laws, but if you have any questions about VAT before placing your order, please contact us for advice.

An A3 flyer and an A4 flyer with the same artwork

 

Other Exceptions:

  • Children’s Activity Books are exempt from VAT, even if your prints will be written or drawn on.
  • Adult Colouring Books are not exempt from VAT.
  • Leaflets and Flyers larger than A4 size are subject to VAT. This rule applies because Posters are not exempt from VAT, and we treat any Leaflets or Flyers as large as a Poster for tax purposes in the same way.
 

VAT on Delivery

If you add items that incur VAT to your Shopping Cart and others without, we will not charge VAT on the VAT-exempt products. But you can see the VAT on the combined delivery price.

Delivery vehicles
 

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poster