VAT

VAT has been temporarily cut from 20% to 5% for hospitality and tourism businesses, and a number of big chains including McDonald's and Nando's are slashing prices as a result. But businesses don't have to pass on the tax cut to customers – we've full info below on what the change means for you.

US software company Squirrels has emailed customers in the UK and elsewhere in Europe asking them to retrospectively pay VAT on apps they purchased up to two years ago. But if you've received the demand, don't worry – Squirrels has now admitted you DON'T have to pay.

The Government has launched a review into airport retailers not passing on VAT discounts to shoppers – in another campaigning success for Martin Lewis and MoneySavingExpert.

Update: 1 June 2015: The Government has today announced that the 30 hours of free childcare for three- and four-year-olds will actually roll out in September 2016 in some pilot areas, ahead of the full expansion in September 2017.

Tens of thousands of current and former EE and T-Mobile phone customers are sharing in a £1 million refund after they were incorrectly charged VAT while using their phones outside Europe.

With just over three weeks till Christmas, if you're looking to snap up bargain gifts abroad make sure you factor in customs duty and VAT, as the item may not turn out to be so cheap after all.

Nearly half of the UK's major hotel chains are breaching regulations by not including VAT in headline prices online, according to Which? Travel magazine.

Hard-pressed families felt some relief last month as official figures revealed the rate of inflation fell to its lowest level in just under two years.

Internet giant Amazon is calling for a drop in the cost of electronic books (ebooks).