Partial Exemption
VAT Guidance
Managing VAT for mixed-use businesses, where both taxable and exempt activities are carried out, requires a deep understanding of partial exemption VAT rules. For businesses with both taxable and exempt supplies, calculating VAT recovery can be complex. The partial exemption method ensures that businesses only recover VAT on costs directly related to taxable activities, leaving them to bear the costs of exempt activities.
At My Tax Consultants, we provide partial exemption VAT guidance to ensure your business complies with the relevant HMRC rules while maximising VAT recovery and minimising liabilities.

What is Partial Exemption VAT?
Partial exemption VAT applies to businesses that make both taxable and exempt supplies. VAT recovery is based on the proportion of taxable supplies the business makes, meaning VAT on mixed-use purchases must be apportioned accordingly. The rules around partial exemption are intricate, and businesses must ensure they account for VAT in the right way.
Without proper guidance, businesses risk non-compliance or overpaying VAT. Our experts provide tailored solutions to guide you through this process and ensure your VAT treatment is correct.
How Partial for Exemption VAT Works
For businesses with both taxable and exempt supplies, VAT recovery is not straightforward. You are only entitled to reclaim VAT on the portion of expenses directly related to taxable supplies. The rest must be “blocked,” meaning you can’t recover VAT for exempt activities.
The process typically involves:
- Identifying Exempt and Taxable Activities:Businesses must identify which activities are taxable and which are exempt. This helps determine the amount of VAT that can be reclaimed.
- Applying Partial Exemption Methods:There are several methods for calculating VAT recovery, including the standard method, special method, and de minimis method. The best method for your business depends on the nature of your activities and supplies.
- Annual and Quarterly Calculations: Businesses need to conduct annual or quarterly reviews to determine the amount of VAT that can be reclaimed. If a business’s taxable supplies exceed certain thresholds, further complex calculations may be required.

Why Partial Exemption VAT Guidance is Essential
Proper partial exemption VAT planning and calculation can have a significant impact on your cash flow and financial position. Incorrect VAT recovery can lead to costly penalties, fines, and interest charges from HMRC. Whether you’re dealing with VAT on property transactions, services, or other mixed-use activities, expert guidance is critical to ensure you’re getting it right.
Here are some reasons why our partial exemption VAT guidance is invaluable for your business:
- Ensure Full Compliance with HMRC Regulations: We ensure your VAT treatment is correct and that you’re following the latest HMRC guidelines for partial exemption.
- Minimise VAT Liabilities: Our experts help maximise the amount of VAT you can recover, reducing your VAT liabilities.
- Avoid HMRC Penalties: We assist with accurate VAT calculations, helping you avoid penalties due to errors in VAT returns or non-compliance.
- Complex Transactions: We offer support for businesses involved in complex transactions, such as property development or mixed-use projects, which may require special VAT handling.

My Tax Consultants' Approach to Partial Exemption VAT Guidance
At My Tax Consultants, we approach partial exemption VAT guidance with a thorough understanding of your business and its specific needs. Our team will work closely with you to identify which activities are taxable and exempt, ensuring we can implement the most effective partial exemption calculation method for your situation.
Our services include:
- VAT Registration and Advice: We guide you through the process of VAT registration, especially for businesses that need to account for both taxable and exempt supplies.
- Partial Exemption Method Selection: Our team helps select the right VAT method for your business, ensuring that VAT recovery is optimised.
- Ongoing VAT Reviews: We provide regular VAT reviews to ensure your business remains compliant with changing HMRC rules and continues to maximise VAT recovery.
- VAT Returns and Documentation: We assist with preparing and filing VAT returns, ensuring that your business’s VAT position is clear and accurate at all times.
- Cross-Border VAT Advice: If your business deals with international supplies, we provide expert guidance on how to apply partial exemption rules to cross-border transactions.

Common Questions About Partial Exemption VAT
How do I know if my business qualifies for partial exemption?
If your business makes both taxable and exempt supplies, you likely qualify for partial exemption. We can help you determine this through a thorough assessment of your activities.
What happens if I get the partial exemption calculations wrong?
Incorrect VAT calculations can result in penalties, interest charges, and additional VAT payments. Working with an expert ensures accuracy and compliance.
Can I recover VAT on mixed-use property purchases?
Yes, but you must apply partial exemption rules to determine the VAT recovery for property transactions that involve both taxable and exempt uses.

Contact My Tax Consultants for Partial Exemption VAT Guidance
If you need expert assistance with partial exemption VAT, My Tax Consultants is here to provide the guidance and support your business needs. Contact us today to ensure you’re compliant with HMRC regulations and maximising your VAT recovery.