VAT Margin Scheme Calculator
Calculate your exact VAT liability under the HMRC VAT Margin Scheme — supports both individual item and global accounting methods per VAT Notice 718.
Accounting Method
Individual accounting: VAT is calculated separately on each item. If an item sells at a loss, no VAT is due on that item — but the loss cannot reduce VAT owed on other profitable items.
How HMRC calculates VAT Margin Scheme tax
Under the VAT Margin Scheme, you pay VAT on your profit margin— not the full selling price. This applies to second-hand goods, art, antiques, and collectors' items as defined by HMRC.
The fraction 20/120 (1/6) — not 20% — is used because the margin is treated as VAT-inclusive under HMRC rules. This means VAT is already embedded within the margin figure. See HMRC VAT Notice 718 for the official guidance.
Individual Accounting
Each item is accounted for separately. A loss on one item does not reduce VAT on another. Best when you turn over a small number of high-value items.
Global Accounting
Purchases and sales are pooled for the whole VAT period. Losses on some items reduce the overall taxable margin. Requires approval from HMRC and is suited to high-volume, lower-value dealers.
Worked Example
You buy a second-hand phone for £200 and sell it for £320.
Margin = £320 − £200 = £120
VAT Due = £120 × 1/6 = £20.00
Net Profit = £120 − £20 = £100.00
(vs standard VAT: £320 × 20% = £64 — saving you £44 per item)
This calculator is provided for guidance only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Figures should be verified by a qualified accountant before submission to HMRC. Refer to VAT Notice 718 for the authoritative rules. AutoVAT accepts no liability for errors in your VAT returns.
Stop calculating this manually every month
AutoVAT connects to your sales channels — eBay, Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce — and calculates your VAT Margin automatically on every sale, every day. HMRC compliant, zero spreadsheets.
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