VAT calculator
Add VAT to a price, or work out how much VAT is inside a total. Works at 20%, 5% and 0%.
How to work out VAT
To add 20% VAT, multiply the price by 1.2. To find the VAT inside a total that already includes 20% VAT, divide the total by 6 (or divide by 1.2 to get the price before VAT).
Which VAT rate for building work?
| Work | Usual rate |
|---|---|
| Most repairs, maintenance, extensions and refurbishment | 20% |
| Installing energy-saving materials in homes, such as insulation, solar panels and heat pumps | 0% until 31 March 2027 |
| Renovating a home that has been empty for at least 2 years, or changing the number of homes in a building | 5% |
| Building a brand-new home | Usually 0% |
Each rate has conditions, so check HMRC's guidance for the job in front of you. Between VAT-registered construction businesses, the domestic reverse charge may mean you don't charge VAT at all.
Do I need to register for VAT?
You must register if your VAT-taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12 months, or you expect it to in the next 30 days on its own. Below that, registering is optional. If you're not registered, you can't charge VAT and your invoices shouldn't show it.
General information based on HMRC guidance (checked October 2026), not tax advice. Rates and thresholds can change, so check GOV.UK.
Questions
How do I add 20% VAT?
Multiply the price before VAT by 1.2. For example, £1,000 plus VAT is £1,200.
How do I take VAT off a total?
Divide the total by 1.2 to get the price before VAT. The VAT is the difference, which is the same as the total divided by 6.
What is the VAT threshold?
£90,000 of VAT-taxable turnover in any rolling 12 months. Check GOV.UK for the current figure.
Related
Stop chasing invoices. We'll do it for you.
Try PaySorted free for 30 days. No card needed — set up in two minutes.
Start free trial See the demo