Some printed products are subject to VAT, while others are exempt. You can find up to date guidance on the website of HMRC (the government department responsible for collecting VAT). When in doubt about VAT, we recommend enquiring with HMRC.
Our own simplified overview appears below:
In general terms, printed items which are intended to be written on have VAT applied at the standard rate. For example, stationery, greetings cards or postcards. The same is the case for promotional products. Standard VAT is automatically added to the products we offer which fall under this category. Products which are printed with the intention of conveying written information tend to be zero-rated. This is why we do not apply any VAT to booklets and brochures.
For certain products, including Flyers and Leaflets, whether VAT should be charged depends on the content printed on them and the intended use. Therefore, you can choose whether to pay VAT at checkout for these products.
Why do I need to choose whether or not to pay VAT at checkout for Flyers and Leaflets? In the UK, whether or not VAT is charged on Flyers and Leaflets depends on how you plan to use the product, and the content of the printed design. Since we don't know your intended use, we leave it up to you to decide if VAT applies. When you buy print products from Helloprint, we ask you at the checkout whether you need to pay VAT on the items you’re purchasing.
What conditions must a Flyer or Leaflet meet to be exempt from VAT? In order it to be exempt from VAT, the Flyer or Leaflet should meet these conditions:
- It must be intended to convey written information. As such, it should contain significant text as part of the design.
- The item should not be intended for display purposes. It must not act as a ticket, invitation or discount voucher.
- It must be A4 or smaller in its collapsed or folded form.
- If featuring a writable area, that area should not exceed 25% of the printed area.
