Our website uses cookies to enhance the visitor experience (what's a cookieCookies are small text files that are stored on your computer when you visit a website. They are mainly used as a way of improving the website functionalities or to provide more advanced statistical data.). Are you happy for us to use cookies during your visits?
Please note: continuing without making a choice equates to giving us your consent, which you can withdraw at any time via our cookies policy page.

Telephone01438 721877

Envelope

HOW BIG IS YOUR BUSINESS?

We understand that your business is important to you, and good tax planning can be a great source of efficiency and savings.

Tell us the size of your business and see how we can help.

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

Our newsletter will be delievered
directly to your email inbox

Online live funerals receive VAT exemption

Newsletter issue – April 2024

Funerals that are broadcast online for well-wishers unable to attend in person are becoming exempt from VAT. During the COVID pandemic, streaming  funerals became commonplace due to restrictions on the number of people gathering. Now, there has been an update to the rules around VAT which means any funerals shown live over the web will not face the charge.

The update also includes live streaming of a cremation or burial. If VAT has been charged in the past, then an adjustment can be made on future VAT returns.

This has been added to a list of services that are always exempt from VAT if they are “provided by an undertaker or funeral director after the body of the deceased has been released by the mortuary (if applicable),” HMRC says.

These services are:

  • embalming
  • use of a rest
  • digging, preparation, and the refilling of graves
  • burial or cremation
  • the interment of ashes

However, the VAT update is not applicable for a third-party supplying the live streaming event,as opposed to being provided by the undertakers.