VAT Guide for Event Organisers

Understanding how VAT works with TicketBaron's ticket agent service

TicketBaron is a ticket agent. We sell tickets on your behalf. You're responsible for VAT on your ticket prices (if applicable). We only charge VAT on our service fees.

⚠️ Your VAT Responsibility

If you charge VAT on your tickets, YOU are responsible for:

Collecting the VAT from customers as part of the ticket price
Declaring this VAT on your VAT return to HMRC
Paying the VAT collected to HMRC according to your VAT accounting period

TicketBaron collects the total ticket price from customers and remits your share to you after deducting our fees. Any VAT you've included in your ticket price is part of what you receive, and you must account for it to HMRC.

🎟️ VAT on Your Ticket Prices

As the event organiser, you decide whether to charge VAT on your tickets:

You're NOT VAT registered: Set your ticket price VAT-free (most small organisers)
You're VAT registered (standard-rated event): You charge 20% VAT on tickets and declare it on your VAT return
Exempt events: Some events (cultural, educational, sporting) are VAT exempt regardless of registration
Your responsibility: Ensure you comply with HMRC rules for your event type

Important: The VAT you collect on ticket sales belongs to HMRC. You must pay this to HMRC via your VAT return, even though you receive the full ticket revenue from us first. Budget accordingly.

💼 VAT on TicketBaron Fees

As a ticket agent, TicketBaron is VAT registered and charges VAT only on our service fees:

Standard rate: 20% VAT on our 5% + 35p fee and support service (if selected)
Deducted from ticket revenue before we remit the remainder to you
Reclaimable by VAT-registered organisers through your VAT return (if applicable)
Shown separately on invoices and receipts for transparency

Example: Customer pays £25. Our base fee is £1.60 (5% + 35p). We charge £0.32 VAT on this fee. You receive £21.99 after all fees.

📋 VAT Registration Scenarios

Scenario 1: You're NOT VAT Registered

You set your ticket price (VAT-inclusive or not, your choice)
Customer pays the fixed amount you set
We deduct our fees + 20% VAT on those fees from the revenue
You receive the remainder and cannot reclaim VAT on our fees
Simplest setup for small events

Scenario 2: You're VAT Registered (Standard-Rated Event)

You're responsible for charging 20% VAT on your ticket price
Customer pays the fixed amount (including VAT on tickets)
We deduct our fees + 20% VAT on our fees from the revenue
You receive the remainder and can reclaim the VAT on our fees through your VAT return
You must declare and pay the VAT collected on tickets to HMRC
Net cost of our fees to you = base fee only (5% + 35p)

Scenario 3: You're VAT Registered (Exempt Event)

Your tickets are VAT exempt (no VAT charged on ticket price)
Customer pays the fixed amount you set
We still deduct our fees + 20% VAT on our fees from the revenue
You cannot reclaim VAT on our fees (exempt supplies can't reclaim input VAT)
Applies to certain cultural, educational, and sporting events

🔍 Common VAT Exemptions

These event types may be VAT exempt (consult your accountant):

🎭

Cultural EventsTheatre, ballet, museum exhibitions

📚

EducationalWorkshops, courses, seminars

⚽

Amateur SportsGrassroots sporting events

🎗️

Charity EventsFundraising by registered charities