https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/ Plain-English guides to VAT on building projects. en-gb https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/builder-quoted-20-percent-vat-is-it-right/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/builder-quoted-20-percent-vat-is-it-right/ Often it is, and sometimes it is not. Here is why builders default to 20%, when a lower rate can apply, and why the time to check is before the first invoice. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/changed-number-of-dwellings-5-percent-vat/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/changed-number-of-dwellings-5-percent-vat/ If building work changes the number of homes in a building, the conversion can qualify for 5% VAT. The property does not need to have been empty, which is where most people go wrong. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/do-builders-charge-vat-on-labour/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/do-builders-charge-vat-on-labour/ Yes, if the builder is VAT registered. Labour carries VAT at the rate that applies to the job, and labour and materials supplied together take the same rate. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/domestic-reverse-charge-construction/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/domestic-reverse-charge-construction/ The domestic reverse charge makes the customer, not the supplier, account for VAT on many construction services between businesses. It changes who pays HMRC, not the rate. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/listed-buildings-vat-2012-change/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/listed-buildings-vat-2012-change/ Alterations to listed buildings stopped being zero rated on 1 October 2012. Here is what changed, why old paperwork still says 0%, and the reliefs a listed building can still qualify for. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/self-build-vat-reclaim/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/self-build-vat-reclaim/ The DIY housebuilders scheme lets you reclaim VAT on building materials for a home you build or convert yourself. One claim, six months from completion, and no refund for VAT a contractor charged in error. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/vat-notice-708-explained/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/vat-notice-708-explained/ VAT Notice 708 is HMRC's guidance on VAT for buildings and construction. This guide explains what it is, who it is for and what it covers, without the jargon. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/vat-on-building-work/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/vat-on-building-work/ VAT on building work is 20%, 5% or 0%, depending on the building and the work being done to it. This guide explains what decides the rate and where each type of project usually lands. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/vat-on-solar-panels-and-heat-pumps/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/vat-on-solar-panels-and-heat-pumps/ Installing solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation in a home in Great Britain is zero rated until 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027 the rate is 5%. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/what-stays-at-20-percent-in-a-zero-rated-build/ https://keystonetaxconsultants.com/guides/what-stays-at-20-percent-in-a-zero-rated-build/ A zero-rated new build or a 5% conversion is never 0% or 5% on every line. Carpets, appliances, most fitted furniture, professional fees and supply-only materials stay at the standard rate. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT