General information
According to HMRC, if an app or website links buyers and sellers to proviFde goods or services, it will be included in this category.
Furthermore, the platform needs to store or readily compute the amount paid to sellers, even if that is done through a third party.
If a platform is based in the UK, is managed there, or is incorporated under UK law, it must register as a digital platform with HMRC. Even if they have no sellers that need to be reported, they must still register as a reporting platform (this is known as an excluded platform).
Sellers who provide or receive payment for goods or services and who either reside in the UK or oversee rental properties there must be reported by digital platforms.
Sellers are exempt from reporting to HMRC if they earn less than £1,700 for fewer than 30 sales annually. This is because their sales may not be taxable income, though we always advise consulting your adviser, and they are unlikely to be regarded as trading (see our earlier blog on the factors HMRC considers when determining trading status).
Other news from United Kingdom
UK Government Considering VAT Cut on Public EV Charging
United Kingdom
Author: Ema Stamenković
Officials are considering reducing VAT on public EV charging from 20% to 5% to match home charging rates, addressing tax disparities. This follows concerns over a pay-per-mile scheme starting in 2028, aimed at ensuring EV adoption remains viable amid rising costs. Officials are exploring a reduction in VAT on public EV charging from 20% to 5%. This would align it with the reduced VAT rate paid by... Read more
UK Mandatory E-Invoicing from 2029: Main Points from Consultation Response
United Kingdom
Author: Ema Stamenković
The UK will mandate e-invoicing by 2029 through a 4-corner model, deferring real-time reporting (RTR) until after e-invoicing is established. Despite broad support for RTR among respondents, it requires clear standards, governance, and phased implementation. HMRC underscores that e-invoicing alone cannot pre-fill VAT returns, but it may inform future products. Respondents highlighted benefits of R... Read more
UK: Navigating Cross-Border VAT Compliance for Gibraltar’s Digital Economy
United Kingdom
Author: Ema Stamenković
VAT is a crucial legal requirement that dictates service taxation and registration in foreign jurisdictions. Being in a no-VAT zone doesn't negate risks of non-compliance. Without proof of B2B transactions, suppliers may face retroactive B2C tax liabilities. The article highlights the need for robust B2B validation under the "Two-Item Rule." B2B transactions benefit from reverse charge mechanisms,... Read more
UK to Implement Nationwide E‑Invoicing by 2029
United Kingdom
Author: Ema Stamenković
UK confirms mandatory electronic invoicing for VAT starting April 2029, giving businesses time to prepare. The UK government has confirmed mandatory electronic invoicing for VAT purposes starting in April 2029. According to a December 10 statement from the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT), the extended timeline gives businesses more time to prepare. Per the government's November 26 anno... Read more
Supporting UK and EU Firms with VAT Fiscal Representation
United Kingdom
Author: Ema Stamenković
Since Brexit, VAT rules have notably shifted, presenting compliance challenges for cross-border businesses. VAT fiscal representation enables non-established businesses to meet local VAT obligations via a local professional. The representative ensures compliance and is often jointly liable for VAT debts. While UK businesses may need one in some EU states, EU businesses typically register directly... Read more
UK Mandates B2B e-Invoicing from 2029
United Kingdom
Author: Ema Stamenković
The UK will mandate e-invoicing for all VAT invoices by 2029, enhancing efficiency and compliance with a phased rollout and detailed plans to be announced in Budget 2026. The UK Government has announced mandatory e-invoicing for all VAT invoices (B2B and B2G) starting in 2029, with a detailed roadmap to be published at Budget 2026. The move aims to modernise tax processes, boost efficiency, produc... Read more
New document was uploaded: Online Sales in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Author: Ema Stamenković
This document aims to explain how online sales are handled in the UK. In the UK, there are various requirements for online sales, which implies that there are specific requirements that must be fulfilled according to The Consumer Rights Act 2015, The Consumer Contracts Regulations and The Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002. Read more