VAT
VAT cut to 5% for hotels and restaurants – but will you get a discount?
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
15 July 2020
US firm demands VAT on apps bought up to two years ago - you DON'T have to pay
Had an email asking you to pay VAT on a past purchase from Squirrels? You don't have to
13 September 2017
Boost for airport shoppers as 'tax rip-off' review set for take-off
The Government has launched a review into airport retailers not passing on VAT discounts to shoppers
31 December 2015
Don't show boarding cards unless airport retailers pass on tax discounts, says Martin Lewis
The Treasury has called on shops to make sure they pass on tax savings to customers who buy goods at the airport
12 August 2015
Queen's Speech 2015: Taxes to be frozen for five years
Measures to ban income tax, VAT and national insurance rises over the next five years have been announced by the Queen
27 May 2015
EE refunds £1m after mistakenly charging VAT on non-EU data
Thousands of EE and T-Mobile customers are sharing a £1 million refund after being charged incorrect VAT rates
20 January 2015
Shopping outside the EU this Christmas? Beware of hidden fees
If you're looking for a bargain Christmas gift abroad make sure you factor in customs duty and VAT, warns HMRC
3 December 2014
Hotel chains not showing full prices with taxes
Nearly half major hotel chains in the UK are breaching regulations by not including VAT in headline prices, says Which?
30 August 2012
Inflation dives as economy put on 'negative outlook'
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
14 February 2012
Amazon urges drop in ebook prices
25 February 2011
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Got a travel credit or debit card you haven't recently used? Check it won't get automatically cancelled
2 December 2021![]()
With some providers cancelling inactive cards, it's worth checking to see if you need to take action to keep your card account open - particularly if you have any upcoming Christmas trips. -
How to set a contactless card spending cap to avoid the new £100 limit
2 December 2021![]()
The contactless card payment limit is rising from £45 to £100 on 15 October. But Bank of Scotland, Halifax, Lloyds and Starling will let you set your own limit, and others plan to do the same in future. Some providers will also let you turn off contactless completely. Here's what you need to know. -
Coronavirus Travel Rights
2 December 2021![]()
The coronavirus outbreak is causing major travel disruption around the globe.. We've the full info on what's happened, including changes to testing and quarantining. Plus, this guide also has key info on travel insurance, refund rights and more. -
Shoppers will be able to withdraw cash in more than 2,000 stores across the UK without having to buy anything or pay a fee
1 December 2021![]()
More than 2,000 retailers will allow shoppers to withdraw cash at the checkout without needing to buy an item or pay a fee by the end of the year. -
Former Igloo, Symbio and Enstroga customer? Set up your direct debit with new supplier E.on NOW, or you'll overpay
1 December 2021![]()
Former customers of failed suppliers Igloo, Symbio and Enstroga risk overpaying by about £100/year unless they take action NOW, as new provider E.on Next has been unable to transfer across direct debit mandates. You need to set up a new one with E.on Next by Friday 3 December, or you'll end up paying more, as direct debit is the cheapest way to pay
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Martin Lewis: What makes us human – the sharing of ideas and knowledge
29 November 2021![]()
I was invited on to BBC Radio 2 Vine's 'What Makes Us Human' programme. The brief: "write then read out an essay on one unique element of humanity, interspersed with some autobiographical notes". -
Five things EVERYONE should know about student finance
21 September 2021![]()
There are more myths and misunderstandings about student finance than any other subject. So in this blog is my updated 2021/22 version of the must knows, with links to far more info. -
Is it time to ban Christmas presents?
14 September 2021![]()
Update September 2017: It’s eight years since I first braved this subject, expecting a snowstorm of protest. Instead, year after year more join in, like Julia who recently tweeted me, “@MartinSLewis, finally took your advice and told my family I can’t afford Christmas presents. What a weight off my mind. Thank you.” One year even the Archbishop of...
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LAST OOOOORDERS! The deadlines for free and cheap delivery before Christmas
30 November 2021![]()
If you’re shopping online for gifts, the deadline for ordering to get ’em in time for Christmas may be sooner than you think. Get it wrong and instead of presents under the tree, they could be held hostage at a courier firm’s out-of-town depot… To help avoid this, retailers now give their own final cut-off dates for orders you want...
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