The Great British Summer Savings VAT discount scheme ends tomorrow. To avoid problems with VAT returns, businesses that took part need to make sure that till systems revert to 20% at midnight on Tuesday 1 September.
The government started this initiative at the end of June to help families with the cost of living over the summer. They introduced a VAT cut from 20% to 5% on kids’ meals in restaurants and tickets to attractions like theatres and soft play, alongside free bus fares in England for children aged five to 15.
Over 2,100 restaurants, cafes and attractions across the UK took part in the government’s summer VAT discount programme, and UK holiday operators have revealed that the savings to the public total millions of pounds.
Businesses
HMRC highlights the need to ‘switch back to the standard rate of 20% on all relevant supplies from 2 September 2026’. Businesses should check that these systems are updated:
– Tills
– Point-of-sale systems
– Accounting software
– VAT records.
Further information
Our team can help with VAT, bookkeeping and Making Tax Digital.
We’re here to help with specific queries if you need extra support.
Contact us here.