Flag Geek – Are flags and banners zero rated for registered charities?

Harrison Flagpoles are proud suppliers of flags, banners, feather flags and flagpoles to many charities along with our sister companies Harrison Creative and Harrison EDS who supply a range of temporary signage, exhibition stands and event branding.

In light of the desire to save money for the work of the charity we are very often asked if VAT is applicable on flags and banners.  Well in short the answer unfortunately is yes, VAT is applicable.  But if your charity is VAT registered you can then claim this VAT back.

Here is the official stance from HMRC’s Charities, Savings & International VAT Team provided to us directly:-

“If the supply of flags and banners to a charity is for advertising purposes, the supply does not qualify for zero rating.

Any method that is not the supply of someone else’s advertising time or space, or is in the form of general marketing and promotion is excluded from any VAT relief. (See 701/58 Section 3.8)”

So how can we help?

In support of the great work that charities do, we always offer discounts across our range as we recognise that every penny counts, so please get in touch if you are a charity and are in need of our services.

We hope this helps and if you have further questions please get in touch.  You may also be interested to read about some of the work our Charity Task Forces get up to throughout the year in our Blog.

The Flag Geek’s actual identity is unknown.  Some say they have felt a presence whilst looking up at the large Union flag outside Harrison Flagpoles HQ.  Others think he/she is just made up to add an element of mystery at the end of a blog.  Perhaps we’ll never know.  But if you would like The Flag Geek to delve into something flag or flagpole related on your behalf then simply email sales@weareharrisons.com and they might be able to enlighten you…….