VAT Update 2026

Is the VAT Threshold Changing? Latest UK VAT Threshold Update (2026)

Last Updated: June 2026
6 min read

Current VAT Threshold

£90,000

No changes announced since 1 April 2024

No. As of June 2026, the UK VAT registration threshold has not changed since it increased to £90,000 on 1 April 2024. There have been no further Government announcements confirming another increase.

Is the VAT threshold changing UK guide explaining VAT registration threshold and HMRC rules for small businesses

Latest VAT Threshold Update

Last updated: June 2026

The current VAT registration threshold remains £90,000, with the VAT deregistration threshold remaining £88,000. These thresholds came into effect on 1 April 2024, and no further changes have been announced by the Government.

Item Current Position
VAT Registration Threshold £90,000
VAT Deregistration Threshold £88,000
Effective From 1 April 2024
Future Changes Announced No
Last Updated June 2026

Official Sources

For the latest official information, see:

The House of Commons Library also confirms that there have been no further announced changes since the threshold increased to £90,000.

Key Takeaways

Current VAT registration threshold is £90,000

Current VAT deregistration threshold is £88,000

The VAT threshold is based on a rolling 12-month taxable turnover

Businesses can choose to register voluntarily below the threshold

Registering late can result in penalties and interest

Monitoring your turnover monthly can help you avoid unexpected VAT liabilities

What Is the Current VAT Registration Threshold?

Current VAT Registration Threshold

£90,000

of taxable turnover over any rolling 12-month period

This applies to:

Sole Traders

Limited Companies

Partnerships

Contractors

Freelancers

Online Sellers

E-commerce

The current VAT deregistration threshold is £88,000, meaning eligible businesses whose turnover falls below this amount may be able to deregister.

Is the VAT Threshold Changing in 2026?

At the time of writing, no further changes to the VAT registration threshold have been announced.

The threshold increased from £85,000 to £90,000 on 1 April 2024, giving many growing businesses additional room before compulsory VAT registration.

Many people search this question around the Budget or Autumn Statement because VAT thresholds can change following Government announcements. However, based on the latest confirmed information, the threshold remains £90,000.

1 April 2024

Threshold increased to £90,000

Increased from the previous £85,000 level

June 2026

No further changes announced

Threshold remains at £90,000

How Is the VAT Threshold Calculated?

One of the biggest misconceptions

Many people believe the VAT threshold is based on your accounting year. It isn't. HMRC looks at your rolling taxable turnover over the previous 12 months.

Example

Sarah is a sole trader.

During the last twelve months her taxable turnover reaches £91,500.

Because her turnover exceeds £90,000, she must normally register for VAT.

Also note: HMRC has another rule that applies where you expect your taxable turnover to exceed the VAT threshold during the next 30 days alone.

What Happens If You Go Over the VAT Threshold?

If your taxable turnover exceeds the registration threshold, you normally need to:

Register for VAT with HMRC
Charge VAT where appropriate
Submit VAT Returns
Keep digital VAT records under Making Tax Digital

If You Fail to Register on Time

HMRC may charge:

Interest

Financial Penalties

Backdated VAT

Should You Register Before Reaching the Threshold?

Many businesses voluntarily register before reaching the compulsory threshold.

Advantages

  • Reclaim VAT on eligible business purchases
  • Create a more professional image
  • Often beneficial for businesses selling mainly to VAT-registered customers

Disadvantages

  • Additional administration
  • Quarterly VAT Returns
  • Prices may increase for customers who cannot recover VAT

Whether voluntary registration is beneficial depends on your business, customers and future plans.

Common VAT Threshold Mistakes

Many businesses register late because they:

Confuse turnover with profit

Wait until the end of the financial year

Forget the rolling 12-month calculation

Ignore online sales

Do not monitor turnover regularly

Assume VAT registration is optional once the threshold is exceeded

Keeping accurate bookkeeping throughout the year makes it much easier to stay compliant.

How Can Businesses Prepare?

If your business is growing, we recommend that you:

Monitor your turnover every month
Keep accurate bookkeeping records
Use cloud accounting software
Understand Making Tax Digital requirements
Speak to an accountant before reaching the VAT threshold

Planning ahead can prevent unexpected VAT bills and penalties.

How Taxwise Accountancy Can Help

At Taxwise Accountancy, we help businesses across the UK stay compliant with VAT while reducing unnecessary stress and administration.

Whether you're approaching the VAT threshold or have already exceeded it, our experienced accountants can help you with:

VAT registration
VAT Returns
Making Tax Digital compliance
Cloud bookkeeping
VAT planning
Ongoing VAT advice
HMRC correspondence

If you're looking for professional support, learn more about our VAT Return Online Services, where we help businesses prepare and submit accurate VAT Returns while remaining fully compliant with HMRC requirements.

Need to verify a supplier's VAT registration? Our guide explaining How to Find a VAT Number by Company Name shows several simple ways to check whether a UK business is VAT registered before you trade with them or reclaim VAT.

Related VAT Guides

You may also find these guides useful:

These guides provide further practical advice to help your business remain compliant while improving tax efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the VAT threshold changing?

No. As of June 2026, there have been no announced changes since the VAT registration threshold increased to £90,000 on 1 April 2024.

What is the current VAT threshold?

The current compulsory VAT registration threshold is £90,000.

Does profit count towards the VAT threshold?

No. The VAT threshold is based on taxable turnover, not profit.

Does online income count towards the VAT threshold?

Yes. Taxable sales made through websites and online marketplaces generally count towards your VAT turnover.

Do sole traders have to register for VAT?

Yes, once their taxable turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold.

Do limited companies have to register?

Yes. The same VAT registration rules apply regardless of your business structure.

Can I register voluntarily?

Yes. Businesses below the threshold can choose to register voluntarily if it is beneficial for them.

What happens if I register late?

HMRC may charge penalties, interest and require you to pay VAT that should have been accounted for earlier.

Can an accountant register me for VAT?

Yes. An accountant can register your business, advise on the most suitable VAT scheme and prepare your VAT Returns.

Need Help With VAT?

Whether you're approaching the VAT threshold or you've already exceeded it, Taxwise Accountancy can help.

We work with sole traders, limited companies, landlords, contractors, freelancers and growing businesses across the UK.

Our VAT specialists can help with:

VAT registration VAT Returns Making Tax Digital Bookkeeping Cloud accounting VAT planning HMRC compliance

If you're unsure whether you need to register for VAT or would like expert advice tailored to your business, we'd be happy to help.

Last Updated: June 2026