Asked by: Daisy Cooper (Liberal Democrat - St Albans)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of ending the levying of VAT on audio books.
Answered by Jesse Norman
An extension of the zero rate of VAT has been introduced to provide consistency in approach between certain physical and digital publications.
Audiobooks are already taxed consistently at the standard rate in both physical and digital format.
The Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT.
Asked by: Marion Fellows (Scottish National Party - Motherwell and Wishaw)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons audiobooks were not included in the zero-rating VAT on e-publications announced in the Budget 2020; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman
The extension of the zero rate of VAT has been introduced to provide consistency in approach between certain physical and digital publications in order to support reading and literacy in all its forms. Audiobooks are already taxed consistently at the standard rate in both physical and digital format.
In UK law, a book is deemed to be something that is read or looked at, a definition that does not include audio content in both digital and physical form.
The Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT.
Asked by: Marion Fellows (Scottish National Party - Motherwell and Wishaw)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made of the potential cost to the Exchequer of removing VAT from audiobooks; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Jesse Norman
The extension of the zero rate of VAT has been introduced to provide consistency in approach between certain physical and digital publications in order to support reading and literacy in all its forms. Audiobooks are already taxed consistently at the standard rate in both physical and digital format.
In UK law, a book is deemed to be something that is read or looked at, a definition that does not include audio content in both digital and physical form.
The Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT.
Oct. 12 2020
Source Page: British Library Annual Report and Accounts 2019 to 2020Found: introduced by the Digital Economy Act 2017, PLR was extended to include remote loans of e-books and e-audiobooks
Oct. 12 2020
Source Page: British Library Annual Report and Accounts 2019 to 2020Found: introduced by the Digital Economy Act 2017, PLR was extended to include remote loans of e-books and e-audiobooks
Abolish of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Audiobooks
- Final Signatures: 47
This petition asks for the abolishment of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Audiobooks.
Found: impairment is classified as a disability and a protected characteristic by the Equality Act 2010. eBook VAT
Excellent meeting @PublishersAssoc with Maeve & @StephenLotinga to discuss impact of #Covid on publishing, support for working class writers & those from diverse backgrounds & how we must level playing field when it comes to VAT still being charged on audiobooks @RNIB_campaigns https://t.co/HazkaeHkIu
Asked by: Lord Watson of Invergowrie (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the possibility of zero-rating VAT on e-publications, including audiobooks and eBooks, to bring them into line with their physical counterparts.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
The Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT.
Any amendments to the VAT regime as it applies to physical publications and e-publications must be carefully assessed against policy, economic and fiscal considerations. Representations on this issue are considered as part of the fiscal event process.
The impact on people from low-income backgrounds and on literacy levels of any reduction of VAT on e-publications is likely to depend on commercial decisions about the extent to which any tax saving would lead to price reductions for consumers.
Asked by: Afzal Khan (Labour - Manchester, Gorton)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will review the merits of VAT on eBooks and audiobooks in the upcoming Budget.
Answered by Jesse Norman
The Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT.
The impact on literacy levels of any reduction of VAT on e-publications is likely to depend on commercial decisions about the extent to which any tax saving would lead to price reductions for consumers, and any associated behavioural changes.
Any amendments to the VAT regime as it applies to physical publications and e-publications must be carefully assessed against policy, economic and fiscal considerations. Any representations on this issue will be considered as part of the fiscal event process.