VAT and other taxes - Links to tax guides
The University's VAT number is GB 200 0126 59
As an educational charity the University is an 'Eligible Body' and is entitled to certain reliefs in respect of VAT, but this does not mean it can ignore VAT. Like any business, it must charge VAT, where applicable, on its income and pay VAT on many of its purchases. It must also submit quarterly VAT returns. VAT is a significant cost to the University because it can recover only a small proportion of the VAT it incurs. The legislation regarding VAT for education differs from that relating to businesses and some of the guidance given here will only apply to Universities.
The VAT guidance on this website has been written for staff working in the University and is regularly updated to reflect legislative changes. This information will help staff determine whether or not VAT should be charged on different types of income, how VAT will impact on expenditure related to different activities, and what reliefs are available. The VAT team run regular termly training courses advertised by the Centre for Quality Support and Development (CQSD) and are happy to visit departments to discuss particular topics or run bespoke training. Please contact vat@reading.ac.uk for further details.
For detailed VAT guidance notes please see the A to Z VAT Guidance on the V section of the A-Z on the front page of the finance website. VAT is a complex area and the guide is not exhaustive. Many VAT rules are subject to exceptions. If you have any specific queries with regards to VAT please contact vat@reading.ac.uk in the first instance, using our VAT query template if possible.
The University has a number of subsidiaries, branches and connected companies each of which is separately VAT registered. VAT accounting for these companies is not the same as for the University. Please contact vat@reading.ac.uk if you need any further information, using our VAT query template if possible.
Henley Business School Limited GB 996 8987 06
Henley Business School GmbH DE 285 6706 89
Reading Real Estate Foundation GB 861 4155 33
University of Reading Finnish Branch FI 23062300
Thames Valley Science Park Limited GB 209 5970 84
A to Z list of pages and documents by tax
Customs duty
Employment tax
Employment Status Questionnaire
Employment Tax - Benefits and Expenses
International taxes
International activities - summary data template for tax (ALL TAXES)
This template provides some information on potential tax issues arising when carrying out activities overseas, and a questionnaire to complete and submit to the Tax Team at ‘vat@reading.ac.uk’ which will help the Tax Team understand the situation and provide more guidance if required.
International activities - India travel guidance
Please see below some guidance on travel considerations for India.
uor-report-india-travel-dos-and-donts
VAT
A to Z guide
A to Z guide to VAT at the University
Advertising (Zero rating)
The University as a charity does not normally need to pay VAT on its advertising - for further information please see guidance note.
Advertising zero rating form
Form for issue to supplier for application of zero rate VAT for a supply of advertising to the University
Books, including e-publications
Guidance note on the zero rating of books etc., including e-publications
Closely related supplies
Guidance note on supplies closely related to supplies of education
Conferences
Guidance note on conferences and VAT.
Contract terms and wording of invoices
Guidance note on the contract terms and wording of invoices.
Courier invoices
Guidance note on VAT on courier invoices.
Education exemption
Guidance note on the education exemption.
Eligible bodies
Guidance note on Eligible bodies for the education exemption.
Errors on invoices
Guidance note on VAT errors on invoices.
European Union members
Details of members of the European Union.
External funding for stipends and course fees
When the University issues an invoice to an external company for their contribution to Student Stipends and Course fees, there are several things to be considered from a VAT perspective. For further information please see guidance note.
Fraction (The VAT Fraction)
Guidance note for when you receive a less detailed tax invoice and need to separate the VAT amount for coding.
Guide to VAT
Guide detailing how the University, as an educational charity, is entitled to certain exemptions and reliefs in respect of VAT.
Medical Supplies
Guidance note on medical supplies.
Medical Supplies - Request for a manual certificate of eligibility for zero rate VAT
Request to be emailed to vat@reading.ac.uk in the event that tax code PM was not used on a purchase order.
Museums
Guidance note on the museums and galleries VAT refund scheme.
Overseas Purchases
Guidance note on purchases of goods and services from overseas suppliers
Overseas Sales
Guidance note on sales of goods and services to overseas customers.
Penalties
Guidance note on the range of penalties HMRC can apply.
Proforma Invoices
Guidance note on proforma invoices.
Projects
Guidance note on VAT and project numbers.
Prompt payment discounts
Guidance note on prompt payment discounts.
Purchase tax codes
Guidance note on purchase tax codes.
Purchase and sales tax codes flash card
Document summarising purchase and sales tax codes
Recharges
Guidance note on recharging expenses to customers.
Registration numbers
Guidance note on VAT registration
Research
Guidance note on research
Retention of documents
Guidance note on the retention of documents.
Sales Invoices and Receipts
Guidance note on VAT when raising an invoice or banking cash.
Sales tax codes
Guidance note on sales tax codes.
Sponsorships, Grants and Donations
Guidance note on VAT and sponsorships, grants and donations.
Supplies to other Universities
Guidance note on supplying goods and services to other Universities.
Tax point
Guidance note on tax points.
VAT section in the Finance Manual
Chapter setting out the University's arrangements in the area of Value Added Tax (VAT).
VAT Terminology
Guidance note on VAT terminology.