The UK First‑Tier Tax Tribunal ruled on 16 December 2025 that photography costs used for product catalogues and an online store by an online retailer with integrated financial services are fully recoverable input VAT, as they are used for taxable retail supplies. The decision clarifies that such costs are not partially recoverable due to mixed use with exempt financial services.
The Tribunal held that such photography costs, used for product catalogues and the online store, are fully recoverable input VAT because they are used for taxable retail supplies, not partially recoverable due to mixed use with exempt financial services.
The judgment was issued on 16 December 2025.
Because the costs were used solely for taxable retail supplies, not for exempt financial services.
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TaxScape · about 13 hours ago
The Deloitte TaxScape weekly VAT news update covers a First‑tier Tribunal ruling that allows Littlewoods to recover full input tax on photography costs, the withdrawal of HMRC’s linked‑goods concession under the ESC, and significant changes to the EU Deforestation Regulation effective 30 December 2026 for large and medium businesses. It also notes the removal of printed materials from the EUDR scope and the publication of these changes in the Official Journal on 23 December 2025.
UK Government · about 17 hours ago
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Bloomberg Tax · 1 day ago
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Bloomberg Tax · 2 days ago
On 17 December 2025 the UK First‑Tier Tax Tribunal ruled that companies trading in telephone calling cards are liable for VAT and penalties, rejecting their claim to recover input VAT on purchases from a Hong Kong supplier. The tribunal held that the companies acted as principals, not agents, and failed to hold valid VAT invoices.
Post Office · 3 days ago
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British Beauty Council · 3 days ago
Under new UK legislation, businesses will no longer pay VAT on goods donated to charity, effective 1 April 2026. The change removes the current requirement for VAT on free gifts to charities, while donated resale goods remain zero‑rated. The relief aims to reduce waste and administrative costs for businesses and charities alike.
