You don’t need to be a VAT expert to sell event tickets across EU. Our team has spent decades working in VAT, so why not leave working out place of supply, VAT rates, registrations and returns to them?
VAT on event tickets depends on where the event takes place, whether the customer is B2B or B2C, the type of event, and whether the ticket includes extras such as hospitality, accommodation or catering. For virtual events, online classes and livestreamed tickets, VAT rules can also depend on where your customer is based.
Is There VAT on Event Tickets?
In many cases, yes, there can be VAT on event tickets. The VAT treatment depends on where the event takes place, whether the customer is B2B or B2C, and what type of event you are running.
You don’t just have to think about VAT on ticket sales
Ticket sales is just one aspect of event management that needs you to think about VAT – though they’re complicated in their own right. Is the sale B2C or B2B? Are you bundling a hotel room and dinner in the ticket price?
Your supplies and the businesses supplying them need thought too. Are your suppliers in the same country as you? Are they VAT registered? Add us to your planning team and make sure your event is as VAT efficient as possible.
Thank you for making a stressful topic easy to deal with
Becky, UK
VAT Risks For Event Managers
Event managers can face VAT risks when selling tickets across borders, hosting virtual events, working with overseas suppliers or running events in multiple countries. Common issues include charging the wrong VAT rate, missing a VAT registration requirement, applying the wrong place of supply rule or treating B2B and B2C ticket sales the same way. VAT on events can also be affected by bundled ticket packages, fundraising events, sponsorship income, exhibitor fees and online event access. If VAT is not handled correctly, it can lead to reduced profit margins, delayed filings, penalties or unexpected VAT bills after the event. SimplyVAT helps event managers check VAT on event tickets, virtual event VAT, VAT registrations, VAT returns and cross-border VAT compliance before tickets go on sale.
Hosting your event online gets you access to an international pool of audience members, but selling tickets across borders gives you additional VAT obligations. Since January 2025 tickets to livestreamed events like gigs or virtual conferences have needed to include VAT in the price for EU customers.
An International Team for International Event Management
The people at SimplyVAT come from all over the world and speak over 20 languages. Wherever your event is or where your audience are, we have the knowledge and skills to make the VAT simple.
Whether you need to charge VAT on tickets to your event depends on who your customer is, where the event is taking place and what kind of event it is.
You might need to charge VAT on the tickets to your virtual event, depending on several factors. Where your customer is based, whether it’s B2B or B2C and what kind of event you’re running all make a difference.
Both in the UK and the EU, fundraising events hosted by registered charities are VAT exempt. However, there are conditions that have to be met before the exemption applies, and complications if ticket sales are made across international borders. If you’re thinking of hosting a Chairty fundraiser and want to take advantage of the VAT exemption, we recommend getting some advice first!
VAT Support for Event Managers that Don’t Settle for Less
SimplyVAT is an independent tax agent and compliance consultancy. We are not a government agency and do not issue indirect tax or compliance registrations.
