Infographic illustrating the VAT treatment of entertainment expenses in the UK as of 2025, highlighting distinctions between subsistence, staff events, and client entertainment, along with guidelines for VAT recovery and apportionment.

This infographic provides a clear overview of the VAT rules concerning entertainment expenses in the UK, effective from 2025. It delineates between different categories such as subsistence (meals and accommodation during business travel), staff-only events (like team-building activities), and client entertainment (hospitality provided to clients or suppliers). The visual guide emphasizes key points:

Subsistence: VAT on meals and accommodation during business travel is generally reclaimable, provided the expenses are necessary for business purposes.

Staff-Only Events: Full VAT recovery is allowed for events exclusively for employees, excluding directors or partners, if the primary purpose is business-related, such as boosting morale.

Client Entertainment: VAT on hospitality provided to clients or non-employees is typically non-recoverable, as it’s considered a private benefit. However, exceptions exist for overseas clients with strict business purposes.