Reverse VAT in United Kingdom: find the net price from a gross price
Why you cannot just subtract 20% from a gross price in United Kingdom, and the correct formula for extracting VAT.
Key facts
| Place | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Tax | VAT |
| Standard rate on file | 20% |
| Multiply net price by | 1.2 |
| Tax share of a gross price | 16.67% |
| Currency | GBP |
Why subtracting 20% gives the wrong answer
The tax was calculated on the net price, not on the gross price. Taking 20% off the gross price removes too much. The correct approach is to divide the gross price by 1.2, which returns the net price exactly.
Worked example
Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the United Kingdom Reverse VAT Calculator to run your own.
| Gross amount | £360.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 20% |
| Net amount | £300.00 |
|---|---|
| Tax | £60.00 |
The tax fraction
If you only need the tax portion, multiply the gross price by 0.1667. That fraction, the rate divided by 100 plus the rate, is sometimes called the tax fraction, and it is useful when you reconcile receipts that only show tax-inclusive totals.
Where this comes up
Expense claims, receipts from shops in United Kingdom, marketplace payouts and quotes given "all in" all need the tax extracted before you can record the net cost correctly in your books.
Quick reference at 20%
Common amounts in United Kingdom, worked both ways: adding tax to a net price, and extracting it from a price that already includes tax.
| Amount | Tax on net amount | Gross (net + tax) | Net if amount includes tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| £10.00 | £2.00 | £12.00 | £8.33 |
| £50.00 | £10.00 | £60.00 | £41.67 |
| £100.00 | £20.00 | £120.00 | £83.33 |
| £250.00 | £50.00 | £300.00 | £208.33 |
| £500.00 | £100.00 | £600.00 | £416.67 |
| £1,000.00 | £200.00 | £1,200.00 | £833.33 |
| £5,000.00 | £1,000.00 | £6,000.00 | £4,166.67 |
How United Kingdom compares
Standard rates on file for other countries. A difference of a few points matters most on high-value purchases and on cross-border sales.
| Place | Rate on file | Compared with 20% |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | 18% | lower |
| Ukraine | 20% | same |
| United Arab Emirates | 5% | lower |
| Uruguay | 22% | higher |
| Uzbekistan | 12% | lower |
| Vietnam | 10% | lower |
Using the calculator step by step
- Open the United Kingdom Reverse VAT Calculator.
- Type your figures into the numbered lines. Results update as you type.
- Check the rate field. It starts at 20%; change it if a reduced rate, local surcharge or exemption applies to you.
- Read the result on the receipt panel, and use the formula shown under it if you need to explain the figure to a client or colleague.
Key terms
- Exempt supply
- A sale that falls outside the tax entirely. No tax is charged and input tax usually cannot be reclaimed.
- Withholding
- Tax deducted at source, by an employer or payer, before the money reaches you.
- Reduced rate
- A lower rate that applies to specific categories, often essentials such as food, medicine or books.
- Deduction
- An amount subtracted from taxable income. It saves tax equal to the deduction times your marginal rate.
- Gross amount
- The amount after tax is added, which is usually what a consumer pays.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Subtracting 20% from the gross price instead of dividing by 1.2.
- Reclaiming tax on receipts that do not show a valid tax breakdown.
- Recording gross amounts as costs and then reclaiming the tax a second time.
Run your own numbers. The United Kingdom Reverse VAT Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove VAT from a price in United Kingdom?
Divide the gross price by 1.2. The difference between the gross and net price is the VAT.
What is the VAT fraction at 20%?
It is 0.1667 of the gross price.
This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.