At present VAT is charged at the reduced 5% rate on the installation of energy saving materials (ESMs), including solar panels, in residential accommodation. The Government has introduced secondary legislation to amend the scope of the 5% rate to comply with European VAT rules (SI 2019/958). This took effect from 1 October 2019, although the Government has stated that the majority of solar panel installations is expected to be unaffected.
VAT on solar panels (112 KB , PDF)
VAT on solar panels (112 KB , PDF)
In general married couples are taxed as individuals, though a minority of older couples & civil partners may still claim a 'married couple's allowance'. Since 6 April 2015 individuals have been entitled to transfer part of their personal tax allowance to their spouse or civil partner, if neither they nor their partner are higher rate taxpayers.
This briefing gives a short introduction to the way VAT works, and the significance that EU VAT law has had for setting VAT rates, before discussing the campaign for a lower VAT rate on tourist services, and the introduction of a temporary reduced VAT rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions which applied from July 2020 to March 2022.
To support the self-employed through the coronavirus outbreak the Government has introduced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
