BPIF Website Eases Understanding Of Complex VAT

The British Printing Industris Federation (BPIF) has added to the range of resources on its website with a new VAT advice page for members.

The British Printing Industris Federation (BPIF) has added to the range of resources on its website with a new VAT advice page for members.

The page, created with the assistance of Horwath Clark Whitehill, the accountancy firm employed by the BPIF to provide VAT advice to members, contains a list of common questions on VAT on printed matter, along with links to HM Revenue and Customs information notices.

VAT ratings on printed matter are notoriously complex and it can be difficult to work out whether a product is standard or zero-rated.

The 'Common Questions' section on the page includes advice on VAT on exports, on the test to determine if a product is classed as a leaflet and on the 'Package Test' that decides whether a package of printed products is standard or zero-rated.

Lizzy Hawkins, the BPIF's public affairs officer, said: "We are pleased to be able to harness the website to provide members with up-to-date information on VAT.

Our members recently asked us to update the BPIF guide to VAT on printing, which has been re-issued four times since 1973 - apparently VAT inspectors are always relieved to see a printer with a copy of the 'red book'.

However, as the merger of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise may still result in more changes to the VAT regulations, we would rather use the website so that we can update our advice easily.

Using the website also means that all members, not just the ones with the 'red book', will be able to benefit from the BPIF's up-to-date guidance." The page is located on the BPIF website via the links provided by Printingtalk.

BPIF members wishing to access the BPIF's VAT telephone advice service should contact their regional offices.

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