Interpretation of VAT and law remains unchanged

UK VAT and excise legislation means the same now as it did on 31 December 2023 HMRC has confirmed. The department has published guidance explaining how VAT and excise legislation should be interpreted in light of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 and the bespoke solution introduced for VAT and excise in Finance Act 2024 both of which came into effect on 1 January 2024.

HMRC policy for VAT and excise is unchanged. Finance Act 2024 s 28 means that UK VAT and excise legislation will continue to be interpreted in the same way as it was before 1 January 2024 drawing on rights and principles that have always applied for interpreting UK law including the principle of abuse. So the principle of consistent interpretation (sometimes known as the ‘Marleasing’ principle) continues to apply in interpreting VAT and...